Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has described Victor Osimhen as the biggest player in the Nigeria national team following the Galatasaray forward’s decisive display against Algeria in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Osimhen delivered a commanding response on the pitch, registering a goal and an assist as Nigeria secured a very comfortable 2-0 victory over the Desert Warriors on Saturday to book a place in the semifinals.
The performance came just days after the 27-year-old was at the center of controversy following his conduct during Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 round of 16 win over Mozambique.
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However, Ighalo believes Osimhen’s reaction should be viewed in the context of elite-level competition, insisting that Nigeria must protect its most influential players.
“In games like that, there are always emotions,” Ighalo said while on punditry duties on Supersport. There are always players who want it more and react in different ways.
“We have seen Cristiano 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.
“If Ronaldo does this to Mbappe or anyone else, are you going to send him away from the team? No.”
While acknowledging that Osimhen’s actions were not ideal, the former Manchester United striker gave credit to head coach Eric Chelle for resolving the situation behind closed doors.
“I am not saying what he did was right, because he should not have done that, and they have settled it,” Ighalo added.
“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.”
With Algeria out of the way, the Super Eagles must now prepare for their toughest yet as they face a semi-final clash against host nation Morocco.
