Fans and commentators hold Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to quite different standards despite the fact that they both wear the same green Super Eagles shirt; one is defined by goals, while the other is exalted by engagement.
The Striker's Burden
Goals remain the major criterion employed in modern football to evaluate strikers, and Osimhen shoulders a significant portion of this load. With ratings, headlines, and public opinion all varying based purely on scoring, his importance is sometimes reduced to whether the ball reaches the goal. Regardless of the chaos he generates elsewhere, a barren run transforms hold-up and game-winning plays into "quiet" games.
Osimhen's Impact Without the Ball
Osimhen's off-ball movement, tireless pressing, and physical confrontations open up defenses and provide space for midfield runners—contributions that rarely make highlight reels. These tireless efforts are disregarded when goals do not follow, and even dominant performances are branded as uninspiring if the scoreboard remains blank.
Lookman's Influence through Involvement
Lookman thrives on constant touches, dribbles, and opportunity generation, remaining visibly central throughout ball movement and wide threat. Assists and mazy runs keep him relevant even on goalless days, as spectators naturally monitor his every move on the field.
Judging both by the same yardstick ignores positional reality—Osimhen bears goal-scoring responsibility in the box, while Lookman's freedom lets him drop deep or roam. Tactical setups amplify this: a striker pinned by markers looks "isolated," but a versatile forward influences from multiple zones.
Perception Problems in Nigerian Football
Nigerian fans and media frequently reduce performances to goals, simplifying team chemistry and undervaluing role-specific contributions. This narrow focus impedes broader understanding—Osimhen's collaboration permits Lookman's runs, yet solo metrics dominate discussion.
Final thoughts
Osimhen's worth extends not more than goals to stay relevants whilst Lookman's flare maintains effect regardless of scoreboard. Both roads prove elite, but we must reconsider lazy comparisons.
Should we judge football players based on what we see on the scoreboard—or on what they do on the field?