Former Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has criticized Manchester United for reportedly ruling out a move for Victor Osimhen due to concerns about his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Onazi’s remarks follow comments from former United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who revealed that Osimhen was excluded from the club’s striker shortlist because of fears he would be unavailable during AFCON tournaments while representing Nigeria.

Reacting in an interview with Footy-Africa, Onazi dismissed the reasoning as inadequate.

“I don’t see that as a valid reason for Manchester United not signing Victor,” he said. “If they know the importance and what Osimhen could bring to the table for Manchester United, that shouldn’t be an excuse because there are other players who go to the African Nations Cup in Manchester United and other clubs too, as well, that are very important, like Mo Salah in Liverpool.

“I think that is just a flimsy excuse,” he added.

Osimhen has been widely regarded as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe in recent seasons, drawing transfer interest from several top clubs.

Opinion: A Footballing Decision or a Convenient Explanation?

Onazi’s criticism taps into a larger debate about how European clubs view international tournaments outside Europe. The Africa Cup of Nations is a major competition, yet concerns about mid-season absences often influence transfer decisions.

From a purely business standpoint, clubs weigh availability carefully. Losing a key striker for several weeks during a congested season can disrupt momentum. However, elite players are signed to make decisive impacts over the long term — not just to avoid short-term scheduling challenges.

Onazi’s comparison to Mohamed Salah is telling. Top clubs have repeatedly adapted to AFCON absences because the overall value of world-class talent outweighs temporary gaps. If a player is transformative, teams usually find solutions.

Ultimately, whether AFCON was the real reason or simply part of a broader evaluation, the discussion highlights the fine margins in recruitment strategy. For Manchester United, passing on a striker of Osimhen’s caliber may continue to spark debate — especially if he keeps delivering on Europe’s biggest stages.