Osimhen to Chelsea? Jackson’s missed chances against France highlight Blues’ need for a Nigerian striker

Victor Osimhen’s name is likely to feature prominently in Chelsea’s transfer discussions after Nicolas Jackson once again raised questions about his finishing during Senegal’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against France on Tuesday night, Afrik‑Foot reports.

Senegal suffered a 3‑1 defeat at the New Jersey Stadium despite producing several encouraging moments, and Jackson’s performance summed up both his strengths and weaknesses as a centre‑forward.

The former Chelsea striker worked tirelessly throughout the contest, pressed aggressively and linked up well with his teammates. Early in the game, he produced a clever backheel that released Ismaïla Sarr down the right flank and regularly troubled France’s defenders with his movement.

However, the biggest moment of the first half fell to Jackson. After breaking beyond Dayot Upamecano, the Senegal international drove a low effort towards goal, only to see the ball crash against the post. It was the closest Senegal came to opening the scoring before the break.

Later, Sarr slipped another pass into Jackson’s path, but the striker failed to take advantage as the move broke down. Those missed opportunities proved costly as France eventually punished Senegal’s lack of cutting edge.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice in the second half, while Bradley Barcola also found the net for the former world champions. Ibrahim Mbaye grabbed a late consolation goal for Senegal, but it did little to change the outcome. Jackson was substituted after 83 minutes for Bamba Dieng following another frustrating night in front of goal.

Why Xabi Alonso may look beyond Jackson

Chelsea’s incoming manager Xabi Alonso officially takes charge on July 1 and is expected to assess every striker option available to him before the new season begins.

Jackson’s display against France reveals the qualities Alonso appreciates. The Senegalese forward pressed relentlessly, stretched the defence and never stopped working for the team. Those traits were important components of Alonso’s successful system at Bayer Leverkusen.

Yet the match also exposed the concern that has followed Jackson throughout his career: inconsistency in front of goal.

Chelsea are aiming to challenge for major honours domestically and in Europe, meaning Alonso will require a striker capable of converting difficult chances on a regular basis. Jackson’s near miss against France was another example of a player who often gets into excellent positions but does not always provide the finish required at the highest level.

The 25‑year‑old returns to Chelsea after a loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he managed respectable numbers but failed to convince the German club to pursue a permanent deal. With João Pedro, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha also competing for attacking places, Jackson faces a difficult battle to establish himself as Chelsea’s first‑choice striker.

Why Osimhen looks like the perfect Chelsea solution

If Alonso wants a forward capable of transforming Chelsea’s attack, Osimhen appears to fit the profile perfectly.

The Nigeria international has built a reputation as one of the most complete No. 9s in world football. Unlike Jackson, who often drifts into wide areas and prefers attacking space, Osimhen thrives inside the penalty area where matches are won and lost.

His combination of pace, power, aerial ability and aggressive movement makes him a constant threat to defenders. More importantly, he possesses the ruthless finishing Chelsea have lacked in recent seasons.

Alonso’s title‑winning Leverkusen side relied heavily on Victor Boniface’s physical presence. Boniface regularly occupied defenders, held up play and created room for attacking teammates. Osimhen offers many of the same qualities, but with an even stronger record in front of goal.

The Super Eagles striker has consistently delivered goals in major competitions and has shown he can perform under pressure. Whether playing in France, Italy, Turkey or on the international stage, he has demonstrated an ability to decide games with a single moment of quality.

Chelsea already possess creative players such as Cole Palmer and several dangerous wide attackers. What they arguably lack is a proven finisher capable of converting the chances those players create.

Jackson’s performance against France reinforced that reality. While he showed energy, movement and commitment, the decisive moments escaped him. Osimhen, by contrast, has built his career on turning those moments into goals.

With Chelsea seeking to return to the summit of English football under Alonso, the Senegal striker’s first World Cup display may have provided another reminder of why securing Osimhen should remain a top priority this summer.