The unfortunate head injury suffered by Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, in a head clash with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, will effectively rul him out of the African Nations Cup (AFCON) coming up in January in Cameroon.

Following a successful surgery, he now joins Oghenekaro Etebo on the list of injured Super Eagles players who will miss the 2022 Nations Cup.

The doctor who operated on Osimhen, Gianpaolo Tartaro, described how and what had to be done to treat the substantial face injury after the successful surgery and also estimated his return to not earlier than 2-3 months

With Osimhen out of the Nations Cup, it begs the question, who can replace him in the squad?

Kelechi Iheanacho
If Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is up to his element, he could grab the opportunity with both hands and become the go-to striker in the Eagles set up. But with the return of Odion Ighalo and the open preference of the veteran striker by Coach Gernot Rohr, it could be a big task for the former U-17 winner.

The Leicester City striker is coming off a strong season with the Foxes. His finest in the Premier League and the club should be structured around him rather than being treated as an afterthought.

Since Osimhen will likely be ruled out of the Nations Cup, Rohr will be hopeful that Iheanacho and Ighalo can form a working connection.

Paul Onuachu
Onuachu is a bit part player with the Super Eagles and has been used sparingly by Rorh due to his playing style. The coach seems not to know how to play to Onuachu’s strength and as such, has not been quite effective for national team as he has been for his Belgiam team.

His tall stature and distinct features make him a great Plan B. But would Rohr trust him as a starter to take Osimhen’s place?

David Okereke
Rohr has been hesitant to pass the baton to newcomers and integrate them into his plans. Now that Osihmen is out, he will undoubtedly have to rethink his approach with the likes of David Okereke being in hot form.

The Venezia striker is on a roll in the Serie A right now as he has taken a page from Osimhen’s book by scoring in his previous two games – against AS Roma and Bologna.

So far this season, Okereke has scored four goals in 12 games and has adapted well to the Italian top flight’s newcomers, but will Rohr take the risk of trusting Okereke to be his go-to hitman?

Cyriel Dessers
This season, the Dutch-born attacker who decided to play for the country of his mother, has been shattering records for Feyenoord. He is now showcasing his worth as an impact sub with four goals since late September.

After integrating swiftly in Dutch football, he went into this international break on a three-game scoring streak, and his hot form might make him crucial as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches.

In October 2020, the 26-year-old made his one and only appearance.

Taiwo Awoniyi
It’s ludicrous that Awoniyi was left out of the recent international break. What does it say about the manager’s opinion of the forward?...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/afcon-2022-seven-strikers-that-can-replace-osimhen-in-super-eagles-lineup/

They should recall Peter Monday back to Super Eagles!

me I go for denis...I pray dis hot form continues n e stays injury free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC-Oeer7w3k