‘We are still looking for the balance’ – AFCON winner claims Osimhen is struggling to get an ideal partner

Nigeria claimed a narrow 2-1 victory against Lesotho in the FIFA World Cup qualifying series, with their hopes of qualifying hanging on a thin rope.

During the game, Osimhen was paired with two different strikers. Tolu Arokodare started alongside the Napoli talisman, while Akor Adams came on as a substitute to score the team's second goal.

Despite Osimhen’s contribution to the second goal, he found it difficult to connect with his partners in attack during the game.

Speaking as a pundit, Ideye noted that while Nigeria has a wealth of attacking talent, the on-field chemistry to get a partner for Osimhen is still lacking.

"Osimhen for sure needs someone to play with him," Ideye stated during a SuperSport broadcast. 

"Watching Tolu in the first half and Akor in the few minutes that he played, we are still looking for the balance for the partnership between any one of them and Osimhen."

Drawing on his own successful partnership with Emmanuel Emenike during Nigeria's 2013 AFCON triumph, the former West Bromwich Albion striker highlighted the importance of cohesion in the final third.

With Nigeria sitting third in Group C, the team faces a crucial qualifier against Benin on Tuesday. 

A victory is essential, and the Super Eagles will also be hoping that group leaders South Africa drop points against Rwanda to bolster their own qualification chances.