The Deputy Editor of New Telegraph newspaper, Adekunle Salami, has hit at what he termed the “big boys” syndrome in the Super Eagles, which he said cost the country appearance in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, as Victor Osimhen again stayed away from the friendlies against Poland and Portugal, making his 13th since 2023.
The seasoned journalist made this known on: “Sports Update,” a programme of The Eagle Online Nigeria on its YouTube channel.
The absence of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal sparked the criticism from seasoned sports journalist and The Eagle Online analyst, who questioned their commitment, especially that of the Galatasaray striker, to non-competitive matches for the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian forward is among six players unavailable for the games alongside Lookman, Femi Azeez, Alhassan Yusuf, Tijani Samson, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.
Osimhen will miss the fixtures as he focuses on resolving his club future following the end of his season with Galatasaray, which won the Turkish league.
The striker is reportedly involved in transfer discussions, with interested clubs unwilling to risk any injury setback during the off-season.
Lookman has also been excused from the squad after being advised to rest following a demanding campaign at club level.
His coach was reported to have been in touch with the manager of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, asking that Lookman be left out of the squad for the friendlies.
Azeez is unavailable after his club declined to release him, while Yusuf and Samson failed to secure entry visas for Poland and Portugal.
Akinsanmiro remains sidelined through illness.
While Chelle has maintained that Nigeria will approach both matches seriously, Salami expressed concern over the recurring absence of some senior players from friendly matches.
According to him, Nigeria’s top stars would likely have made themselves available if the matches carried greater significance.
He said: “If Nigeria was going to the World Cup, the absent players will be present at the camp.
“This does not show professionalism.”
Salami argued that the fixtures against Poland and Portugal present an opportunity for Nigeria to test itself against elite opposition.
He said: “It is unfair that while facing a top team like Portugal that has Ronaldo and Fernandes and Poland with Lewandowski and other top players, our top players are shying away from the friendly.”
The analyst linked the issue to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming inconsistent player availability had affected the national team.
He said: “The habit of players selecting games to play is what caused Nigeria the World Cup ticket.
“Out of a possible 10 matches, Osimhen played like four.
“The big boys syndrome in the Super Eagles must stop.”
Salami insisted that national team invitations should not be treated as optional by established players.
He said: “If you don’t want to play for Nigeria, you can quit the national team.
“You can quit and continue with your club football.
“Nobody will hold you.”
Referencing previous matches played without Osimhen, he added: “When he didn’t come for one particular game, Paul Onuachu scored.”
Despite praising the Galatasaray striker’s quality and influence, Salami maintained that questions remain over his repeated absence from friendly fixtures.
He said: “I love Victor Osimhen, I like his play, I like his energy, I like his aggression, but the issue of when it comes to the crunch, you won’t see him.
“Why would Osimhen not come and play against Portugal?
“Why?
“I can never understand it.”
More details here...
