Former Nigeria captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has praised the exceptional goal-scoring form country. The football legend celebrated their attacking prowess but issued a stark warning about the significant challenges the national team still faces, particularly looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. This commendation comes amidst a period of individual brilliance that contrasts with the team’s recent failure to secure a place in two consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Since the start of the 2025–2026 season, the trio has been in sensational form, dismantling defences across Europe. Victor Osimhen, leading the charge for Galatasaray, has scored an impressive 28 goals. Akor Adams, playing for Sevilla, has contributed 12 goals, while Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid has found the net 11 times. This prolific output highlights the world-class talent currently at the disposal of the Nigerian national team, providing a potent fuel for the Super Eagles’ attack.
However, Oliseh was quick to point out that this individual success has not fully translated to the national team’s overall objectives. While the Super Eagles had an impressive run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the team’s failure to qualify for back-to-back World Cups remains a pressing concern. This underperformance persists despite the presence of such high-calibre strikers in the squad, indicating deeper systemic issues that need urgent addressing.
Speaking on his programme, Global Football Insights With Oliseh, the two-time World Cup veteran elaborated on his concerns. He stated, “Let’s look at the facts. We have world-class dominance right now from Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman. It’s a joy to watch these guys perform. These guys are dismantling European defences. They are our fuel at the moment, but even the best fuel is useless if the engine is broken.” This analogy underscores his belief that a strong attack alone cannot guarantee success if other areas of the team are not functioning properly.
Oliseh further warned that a large portion of the current Super Eagles squad may not be available for the next World Cup cycle, highlighting the pressing need for succession planning. He urged the Nigeria Football Federation to immediately begin preparing for the future by identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent. The focus now shifts to whether the national team can build a complete and competitive squad capable of harnessing its attacking firepower to finally secure a return to the world’s biggest football stage.
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