Former Super Eagles goal-scoring icon Odion Ighalo has offered a detailed technical breakdown of the contrasting attributes that Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams bring to Nigeria’s frontline. Both strikers played instrumental roles in the national team’s emphatic 4-0 dismantling of Mozambique during Monday night’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 encounter in Fes. While the duo collaborated effectively to secure Nigeria’s quarter-final berth, Ighalo noted that their distinct profiles provide head coach Éric Chelle with diverse tactical options as the tournament progresses in Morocco.
Speaking as an analyst on SuperSport, the former Manchester United and Watford striker explained that while fans often focus on raw pace, the nuances of their hold-up play and physical presence set them apart. Ighalo highlighted that Osimhen’s game thrives on a high-intensity, aggressive approach that consistently unsettles opposition defenders through persistent pressure and sharp finishing. In contrast, he viewed Adams as a striker who excels in utilizing his physical frame to anchor the attack and facilitate play for his teammates.
“Not every striker have speed. Victor is a different kind of striker to Akor. He’s the kind of striker that likes to keep the ball, bully and fight. If you see the game [against Mozambique] every time, he always tries to fight, and when he gets the chance, he shoots,” Ighalo observed during the post-match analysis.
The 2025 AFCON has served as a breakthrough stage for the partnership between the two forwards. During the rout of Mozambique, Akor Adams showcased his creative side by providing two crucial assists before netting a powerful fourth goal to open his tournament account. Osimhen, meanwhile, displayed his trademark predatory instincts by scoring twice in the first half, bringing his total for the competition to three goals. Ighalo believes that this combination of Osimhen’s “fighting” spirit and Adams’ selfless hold-up play makes the Super Eagles a nightmare for any defensive unit.
As Nigeria prepares to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals this Saturday in Marrakesh, the tactical insights from veterans like Ighalo continue to highlight the squad’s immense depth. The Super Eagles currently lead the tournament in scoring with 12 goals across four matches, largely due to the varying styles of their attacking personnel. Fans and pundits alike now look toward the next round to see if the complementary “bully and fight” dynamics of Nigeria’s strike force can lead the nation to its first continental title in over a decade.
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