AFCON Curse or Cowardice? Why Man United Walked Away from Victor Osimhen – And How 2026 Is Exposing Them
Manchester United passed on signing Victor Osimhen in 2023 due to fears over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule clashing with their season, as revealed by former coach Benni McCarthy.
McCarthy, part of Erik ten Hag's staff, said Osimhen topped their striker list after his 26-goal Serie A-winning season at Napoli, but they balked at risking a £100m investment on a player unavailable for key mid-season matches. "Losing him for so many important matches... the team suffers," he told BBC World Service.
Now, 2026 exposes United's caution as folly. Osimhen starred at AFCON 2025, scoring vital goals like a header vs. Algeria to propel Nigeria to the semis. At Galatasaray, he has been thriving, breaking their foreign player European goals record with 13, including a knockout winner over Juventus.
United's strikers struggle, Joshua Zirkzee might have flopped in key games, while Osimhen, now valued at €76.9m, has attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, proving AFCON risks are no curse. Was it strategic savvy or striker-shy cowardice? Hindsight favors the bold.
