Former Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Julius Aghahowa has stated that the absence of Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen will affect the Super Eagles at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the former striker cum agent , he is disappointed with the absence of the two strikers from the showpiece.
Ighalo’s Saudi Arabian club Al Shabab, did not permit his participation in the AFCON 2021, while Osimhen contracted Coronavirus before the start of the competition .
Aghahowa, a former Shakhtar Donetsk star, who was Nigeria’s top goalscorer at the 2002 African Nations Cup, has now urged the duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Sadiq Umar to utilise the chance at their disposal in Cameroon.
“It is a blow to the national team that Odion Ighalo could not make it to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. And also the other player (Osimhen) that didn’t make it is also a blow for us.But as it is, we have to make do of what we have at the moment.” Aghahowa told Brila FM.
“Those players are professionals and they are playing in their teams in Europe. And that is what is expected of them when you are called to represent your country, you have to give in your best.
“You have to prove that you are worthy of that call. So now, the opportunity lies in the shoulder of Taiwo Awoniyi and Sadiq Umar.”