AFCON – Eguavoen picks Olayinka to play No 9 position

By Samantha Allen

Published: January 6, 2022 | 3:04 PM GMT

Super Eagles interim boss, Augustine Eguavoen has named Peter Olayinka of Slavia Prague as the player to fill in for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in the No 9 position, Eguavoen said Olayinka will have to fill the absence of Osimhen in Cameroon.

Napoli refused to release Osimhen with the player recovering from a damaging face injury and COVID-19 and Olayinka was called up late to replace him.

Other available hands for the No 9 position include Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City and Taiwo Awoniyi of Union Berlin or the coach could settle for a false nine with Chidera Ejuke in the absence of Odion Ighalo.

Super Eagles Interim manager Austin Eguavoen
Read More: Al-Shabab Blame NFF for Ighalo’s Absence At AFCON
“Hopefully Odion comes, if he doesn’t come it’s a bit of a worry.

Osimhen is out, it’s also a bit of a worry,” Eguavoen stated in a press conference.

“We have Awoniyi, we have Olayinka, we might be forced to play false nine, we have Iheanacho, we have Chidera who can also come from behind and fill the role so might just have to adjust the system of play.

”
“I might play with a striker, I might not play with a striker it depends.

Osimhen is out, Olayinka is the next person to fill in.

”

Njidda Usa/Daily Post
AFCON – Eguavoen picks Olayinka to play No 9 position

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.