Former Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has referred to Victor Osimhen as the biggest player in the Super Eagles team, after his inspiring role in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Algeria, SportPremi reports.
The Galatasaray striker was the star performer as Nigeria advanced to the next round after their 2-0 win over Algeria in their quarterfinal clash at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament.
The 27-year-old was involved in an on-field confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman in the 4-0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash, leading to calls for him to be dropped from the team.
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However, he proved his worth to the national team with a goal and an assist as Nigeria got their revenge over the North African side.
The three-time champions dominated the entire clash and limited Algeria to just three shots in the whole match, with none on target.
The Super Eagles could have even finished the match with a higher goal margin, but were wasteful in front of goal and were also denied by a superb goal-line clearance in the first half by Ramy Bansebaini.
However, in the second half, Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a brilliant cross which Osimhen met with a great header to give them the lead.
Few minutes later, Osimhen was on hand to assist Akor Adams for Nigeria’s second of the match and he earned the player of the match award after the match.
Ighalo hails Osimhen’s impact for Nigeria
Odion Ighalo, who helped Nigeria to bronze medal in 2019, when he also clinched the Golden boot award hailed Osimhen’s growing influence for the Super Eagles team.
“In games like that, there are always emotions, and there are always players who want it more and react in different ways. We have seen Ronaldo do things like that. We have seen big players do it. Though Victor is not Ronaldo, in the Nigeria team, he is the biggest player for me in that team”, Ighalo revealed.
“If Ronaldo does this to Mbappé or anyone else, are you going to send him away from the team? No. I am not saying he is Ronaldo, and I am not saying this is Zimbabwe, but in the Super Eagles, he is our biggest player. I am not saying what he did was right, because he should not have done that, and they have settled it.
The former Super Eagles forward also hailed Eric Chelle’s wisdom in handling the issue that occurred between Lookman and Osimhen during their Round of 16 clash.
You do not take your best player out of the team, no matter what. You just have to settle it. I like the way the coach handled it inside the dressing room and did not make a big problem out of it”, he concluded.
The Super Eagles’ task isn’t getting easier as they now face Morocco in the semifinal on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
