Obafemi Martins: Super Eagles Need Teamwork, Not Just Star Players
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has raised concerns about the lack of teamwork in the current Nigerian national team.
Martins, who once played for clubs like VfL Wolfsburg, Inter Milan, and Newcastle United, said that individual talent alone cannot bring success to the Super Eagles. He believes that without proper teamwork, even top players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will struggle to lead Nigeria to victory.
Speaking in an interview with Football Fans Tribe, the 40-year-old compared today’s team with the one he played in. He said the current squad has big names, but not the same unity.
“Back then, we had a team,” Martins said. “Now, the names are there, but the team is not. Osimhen is doing well as a striker, Lookman is doing well too, but we need to play together as a team to win.”
Martins, who scored 18 goals in 42 matches for Nigeria, reminded fans that football is a team sport. He warned that even if Osimhen scores 100 goals, it won’t matter if the team doesn’t progress.
“Osimhen can score 100 goals, but if we don’t move forward, it’s like the goals mean nothing,” he said.
The Super Eagles have been under fire recently, especially after disappointing results in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including a draw against Zimbabwe.
Like many fans, Martins believes that building stronger team chemistry is key if Nigeria wants to qualify for the next World Cup. With four qualifiers left, the team will need to work together more than ever to reach their goal.
