AFCON Qualifiers: Tanzania Captain Mkami Hails Osimhen’s Absence Impact

Tanzania captain Himid Mao Mkami has expressed his admiration for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, despite the Galatasaray forward missing Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Tanzania due to injury, Daily Post Nigeria reports.

According to Mkami, Osimhen’s absence leaves a significant gap in Nigeria’s attack, but he is optimistic that other players will step up to fill the void.

‘Victor Osimhen is a fantastic player, and his absence will be felt, but I have confidence in my teammates to step up and do the job,’ Mkami told Daily Post Nigeria.

Osimhen was ruled out of the qualifier due to fitness concerns after picking up an injury in a recent club game. The Taifa Stars are set to face the Super Eagles in Uyo on Friday in the first leg of the qualifier. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Tanzania.

The absence of Osimhen is a blow for the Super Eagles, who are seeking to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team’s coach, Gernot Rohr, has named a 23-man squad for the double-header against Tanzania, with Emmanuel Dennis and Kelechi Iheanacho leading the attack in Osimhen’s absence.