Ajax Amsterdam striker Tolu Arokodare has identified Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen as the finest player he has ever shared a pitch with, a revelation made during a question-and-answer session with ESPN Netherlands. The 25-year-old Nigerian forward, who has played alongside Osimhen twice for the national team, did not hesitate when asked to name the standout player from his career.
Arokodare's Unhesitating Choice of Osimhen
When the host posed the question about the best player he had played with, Arokodare responded instantly: "Victor Osimhen." The two Nigerian forwards have been teammates on two occasions for the Super Eagles, both in World Cup qualifying fixtures against Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Despite the limited time they have spent together on the international stage, the impression left by the Galatasaray striker was evidently profound.
Arokodare went further, selecting a specific individual performance as the best he has watched live. "I wouldn't say the best match, but I would say the best performance. Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick against Benin in the World Cup qualifiers when Nigeria needed to qualify for the World Cup," he said.
Bruno Fernandes: The Toughest Opponent
On the other end of the spectrum, Arokodare picked Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as the most formidable opponent he has faced. This verdict was shaped by a Premier League encounter in December 2025, when Arokodare was on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He praised the Portuguese midfielder for qualities that extend beyond technical ability.
"I'll probably say Bruno Fernandes. He is exceptional: his mentality, his leadership, his technique, his quality and his personality off the pitch. He's an amazing person," Arokodare said.
Arokodare's Career Trajectory and Osimhen's Form
Arokodare's move to Ajax followed a productive stint in Belgium, where he finished as the Belgian Pro League's top scorer in the 2024/2025 season with 21 goals for Racing Genk. He has carried that form into his new surroundings, registering three goal involvements across four appearances for Ajax, according to Transfermarkt.
Osimhen, meanwhile, continues to build his reputation as one of Africa's most feared forwards since his move to Galatasaray. He has remained a consistent goal threat at club level while leading the line for Nigeria in their World Cup qualifying campaign. In a recent development, Osimhen netted a brace for Galatasaray in their 4-0 victory over Erzurumspor, adding two goals and an assist as he asserts himself in the early Golden Boot race this season.
