Osimhen Set as Standard for Super Eagles

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has offered a fascinating glimpse into the tactical mind of head coach Eric Chelle, revealing that the Malian-born tactician has officially designated Victor Osimhen as the “point of reference” for the entire national team. Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ndidi highlighted how the coaching staff is using the striker’s relentless work ethic as a psychological blueprint for every player in the squad.

The Galatasaray forward has been the heartbeat of Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco, tallying four goals and two assists while demonstrating a defensive hunger that has transformed the team’s pressing game. Ndidi, who missed the heartbreaking semifinal penalty shootout loss to the hosts due to suspension, noted that Chelle’s philosophy revolves around every player mirroring the intensity of their star number nine.

“Osimhen is more than just a goalscorer; he is like having three strikers in one body,” Ndidi told journalists in Agadir. He explained that Chelle has challenged the midfielders and defenders to match the level of “charge” and leadership that Osimhen brings to the pitch. The coach’s message is clear: if the world-class striker can sprint for ninety minutes to regain possession, no other player has an excuse to remain static.

The captain’s praise comes at a bittersweet time for the three-time African champions. Nigeria fell to Morocco in a grueling semifinal that saw Osimhen hobble off with an ankle injury late in extra time, leaving him unable to participate in the decisive shootout. Ndidi admitted that while the team feels the void when Osimhen is absent, the new culture instilled by Chelle ensures the collective structure remains resilient.

Ndidi’s comments suggest a long-term evolution for the Super Eagles, one that transcends individual talent. By turning Osimhen’s individual hunger into a team-wide standard, Chelle is attempting to build a squad that functions as a high-intensity unit. The midfielder urged supporters to be patient, promising that the “Osimhen benchmark” would lead to a dominant Nigerian side in the coming years.

As the team prepares to face the Pharaohs of Egypt for the bronze medal, the fitness of the star striker remains the primary concern for the technical crew. Whether or not Osimhen leads the line in the final match of the tournament, his impact on the squad’s psychology appears to be the defining legacy of Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON journey.