Former Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has charged the Super Eagles' strikers to step up in the absence of talisman Victor Osimhen ahead of Nigeria's crucial encounter against South Africa.

Osimhen did not travel with the team after sustaining an injury in the Super Eagles' 1-0 victory against Rwanda last Saturday.

A victory for Nigeria will see them close the gap on South Africa to just three points, with two qualifier matches remaining.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Aiyegbeni urged the other attacking players to fill the shoes of the Galatasaray striker.

“For sure, Victor Osimhen wants to play, but he’s not going to be available,” Aiyegbeni told Soccer Beat.

“We have other strikers—Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers. They need to step up and try to be the main man so that we don’t depend on one player.

“We know how Osimhen fights on the pitch, and now we’ve got players in the team. I think it is time for them to step up and make the country proud.”

WDN