Galatasaray star opens up about Nigeria legends who shaped his career and mentorship from John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo.
Victor Osimhen is currently in Lagos, taking a short break before returning to Istanbul, Turkey. Though not included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, the Galatasaray striker spent time in a live stream with social media influencer Carter Efe, reflecting on the figures who shaped his career.
Osimhen credited early Nigerian football icons for inspiring him:
“We were watching Super Eagles matches when we were in the trenches. You hear Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Mikel Obi. Even before I got to the Super Eagles, Ighalo was doing well for the country, and I’ve met him a couple of times.”
He also highlighted his strong mentor-mentee relationship with Odion Ighalo, recounting a trip to Belgium in February 2020 to watch Ighalo make his European debut for Manchester United FC against Club Brugge.
“He is an amazing human being, a great football player, a legend, and for me has made an impact, not only on me,” Osimhen said.
Osimhen also shared a heartwarming story about John Obi Mikel’s generosity when he first joined the Super Eagles:
“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.”
In his early appearances for Nigeria, Osimhen shared the pitch with Mikel in matches against Zimbabwe and Senegal before the Chelsea legend retired from international football in July 2019.
Osimhen’s reflections show the lasting impact of mentorship and kindness in the journey of a professional footballer, highlighting the human side of African football icons.
