A Nigerian football pundit has compared the Super Eagles to English Premier League giants Manchester United, citing their over-reliance on a single player for success.

The pundit, identified as Godfrey, is a regular contributor on the fast-growing sports platform Football Fanstribe.

Reacting to Nigeria’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe—a result that has significantly reduced their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Godfrey pointed out that the team's dependence on Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is a major challenge.

Like the struggling United in the EPL, he said the Super Eagles without Osimhen can be compared to Manchester United without their talisman and captions, Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking in Pidgin, he said: "Nigeria is just like Man United, I’m telling you. Nigeria is just like Man United—a one-man team. Anytime Bruno doesn’t turn up, Man United is gone. Anytime Osimhen doesn’t turn up, Nigeria is gone. Imagine if this boy wasn’t Nigerian?"

"Just like Cole Palmer saved Chelsea last season—where if you removed the goals he scored and the points he secured, Chelsea would have been relegated—that’s how important Osimhen is to Nigeria."

Despite Osimhen scoring midway through the second half, Nigeria failed to hold onto their lead, allowing Zimbabwe’s substitute, Tawanda Chirewa, to net a late equalizer and dent the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.

The draw widened South Africa's lead at the top of Group C to six points after their 2-0 victory over Benin.

With four matches remaining, Nigeria faces a tough battle to secure automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup. However, they still have a chance to qualify via the play-offs.





NBA