Yakubu Aiyegbeni blames over-reliance on Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification failure

Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has attributed the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualification setback to over-reliance on Victor Osimhen.

The West African football heavyweights missed out on World Cup qualification for the second time running after falling short in 2026 qualifying series, marking their first back-to-back absence since 1994.

Despite advancing to the playoff stage, Nigeria ultimately lost to DR Congo in the decisive match on Sunday.

During the African playoff final, the three-time AFCON winners succumbed to defeat to DR Congo on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

The Leopards now stands a chance of securing a place at the global showpiece slated for next year, as they gears up for final playoff to be held in North America.

Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, the former Everton attacker expressed his displeasure about the World Cup qualification failure, while blaming over-reliance on Osimhen for the setback.

“We only have one striker… only one plays like a madman on the pitch… We only have Osimhen. I think the rest are just happy to be in the national team.” He added that in his era, competition was fierce and every striker fought for a place.

Osimhen, who plies his trade for Galatasaray was forced off with an injury after the first half, with Akor Adams replacing him in the second half.

And according to Aiyegbeni, Osimhen substitution cost the Super Eagles qualification against DR Congo

“The moment Osimhen went out… I knew the game was finished… We were tactless. No game plan.”

The Super Eagles has shifted their attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be staged in Morocco, having missed out on 2026 World Cup qualification.