AFCON qualifiers: 'I hope others will do the job' - Tanzania captain Mkami on Osimhen's absence

Tanzania skipper Himid Mao Mkami has spoken highly of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, contempt the Galatasaray guardant being unavailable for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars successful Uyo.

Osimhen was near retired of Nigeria’s squad for the double-header against Tanzania owed to fittingness concerns aft picking up an wounded during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League triumph implicit Stuttgart.

The wounded besides ruled him retired of the Turkish club’s consequent league brushwood against Amedspor astatine Rams Park earlier the planetary break.

Speaking during the pre-match property conference, Mkami insisted that Osimhen’s lack would not alteration Tanzania’s preparations, stressing that Nigeria person capable prime players to airs a superior challenge.

The Tanzania skipper maintained that the Super Eagles stay a formidable broadside careless of the players disposable for selection.

“First, I deliberation we are playing Nigeria. Regardless of who is playing and who is not, they would inactive beryllium the champion team,” Mkami said.

He further described Osimhen arsenic an outstanding footballer, acknowledging that the striker’s beingness could person strengthened Nigeria’s attacking options. However, helium expressed assurance successful Tanzania’s quality to vie against the hosts.

“Osimhen is simply a precise large player, and we respect him. Maybe his beingness would person had a affirmative interaction connected his team, but we are playing Nigeria tomorrow, truthful I anticipation the remainder of the squad volition bash the occupation arsenic helium was determination also,” helium added.

Meanwhile, Mkami explained that Tanzania are approaching the brushwood with superior intentions contempt having already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

According to the midfielder, the remaining planetary fixtures supply an accidental for the Taifa Stars to fortify their squad, amended their performances and hole adequately for the continental tournament.

“Of course, we person already qualified, but we besides request to physique a squad and hole for the competition. So we came present to vie and hole our squad for the adjacent Africa Cup of Nations,” helium concluded.

AFCON qualifiers: 'I anticipation others volition bash the job' - Tanzania skipper Mkami connected Osimhen's lack