Victor Osimhen Reveals Super Eagles Legends Who Shaped His Early Career
Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has opened up about the pivotal role that two Super Eagles legends played in guiding him during the formative stages of his international career. The Galatasaray striker, currently enjoying a short break in Lagos before returning to club duties in Turkey, reflected on how mentorship from senior figures like Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo helped shape his professional journey.
Osimhen Highlights Ighalo's Mentorship and Influence
Osimhen specifically credited former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo as one of the most influential figures during his early years with the national team. The relationship between the two forwards developed into a strong mentor-mentee bond that extended beyond the football pitch. Ighalo's experience provided Osimhen with valuable insights into professionalism, discipline, and the expectations associated with representing Nigeria at the international level.
"He is an amazing human being, a great football player, a legend, and for me has made an impact, not only on me," Osimhen stated about Ighalo. The young striker demonstrated his dedication by making personal efforts to watch Ighalo play during his time in Europe, reflecting the hunger that has characterized Osimhen's career trajectory.
Mikel Obi's Support Beyond Football
Another key figure Osimhen acknowledged was former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, whose influence reached beyond the football field. During Osimhen's first national team call-up, Mikel reportedly took the young forward under his wing, offering both support and encouragement at a crucial stage in his development.
"I met Mikel Obi when they first invited me to the Super Eagles. We finished eating, and he told me to follow him to his room immediately, and he gave me money," Osimhen recalled. Although the pair shared the pitch in only two matches against Zimbabwe and Senegal before Mikel's international retirement in 2019, that early interaction left a lasting impact on Osimhen's mindset and approach to the game.
Building on a Legacy of Nigerian Football Greats
Growing up, Osimhen looked up to iconic Nigerian players such as Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, whose performances with the Super Eagles inspired a generation of young footballers across the country. From watching these legends during challenging times to eventually wearing the same national colors, Osimhen's journey represents a full-circle moment in Nigerian football history.
Today, Osimhen is not merely a product of that legacy but an active contributor to it. With 35 goals in 46 appearances for Nigeria, he has already become the second-highest goalscorer in the country's history, steadily closing in on the long-standing record held by Rashidi Yekini.
Early Career Challenges and Support System
Despite being one of the first names on Nigeria's team sheet in recent years, Osimhen was notably absent from the latest Super Eagles squad for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan. However, the 27-year-old forward's influence within the national team setup remains unquestionable, built on the foundation established by his early mentors.
Osimhen also shared an anecdote about how fellow striker Kelechi Iheanacho saved him from embarrassment during his first national team call-up. In a viral video, Osimhen explained that he approached Iheanacho upon arrival in Uyo and offered to carry his boots, only to be turned away by Iheanacho's roommate when he went to his room.
The striker's reflections highlight the importance of senior player guidance in developing young talent within the Super Eagles setup, demonstrating how established players can positively influence the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
