Odion Ighalo has hailed Victor Osimhen as the ultimate modern striker, insisting the Napoli hitman is the indispensable type of forward “every team needs” after his talismanic displays at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2019 AFCON top scorer, speaking on SuperSport, was full of praise for the current Super Eagles’ number 9, whose all action style has propelled Nigeria to the semi finals. Osimhen netted his fourth goal of the tournament and provided another assist in the quarter final win over Algeria, taking his total goal contributions to six.
“Like I always say, he missed a couple of big chances. He should have had, like, three goals today, but he did so well,” Ighalo said, cutting a familiar figure of relentless effort. “He got one goal and the assist… He’s a striker every team needs in their team because he’s not selfish.”
Ighalo, now at Galatasaray, emphasised that Osimhen’s value goes far beyond the scoresheet. “He works hard for the team, he provides, he scores goals, and runs at defenders, so I am happy with what I saw today,” he added, noting that “it’s going to take even a little bit more to beat Morocco” in the last four.
Only his Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman has been directly involved in more goals at this AFCON, underlining the potent partnership driving Nigeria’s charge. Beyond the tournament, Osimhen’s latest strike edges him closer to history; his 35th international goal puts him just two behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s all time Nigerian record.
With a monumental semi final clash against Morocco next, Nigeria’s hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of a striker whose selfless chaos, according to his predecessor, makes him the complete package.
