Former Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai has praised Victor Osimhen as a transformative talent whose presence elevates the Super Eagles to new heights. The Napoli forward, who was recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, has been a consistent game-changer for both club and country since his debut in 2017.
Osimhen’s statistics are nothing short of remarkable. With 23 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances for Nigeria, he is now the second-highest scorer in Super Eagles history. His ability to deliver when it matters most has made him a key player in Nigeria’s international successes.
Rufai believes Osimhen’s relentless hunger for goals and unwavering commitment are the qualities that set him apart from other strikers.
“When Osimhen joins the team, he makes an immediate difference,” Rufai shared in an interview with Complete Sports. “It’s not that other players don’t contribute, but champions go the extra mile. Osimhen is always ready to give his all and perform at his best whenever he represents Nigeria.”
This mindset often highlights the gap between Osimhen and other Nigerian strikers, such as Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Umar Sadiq, who have struggled to replicate his consistency in high-stakes matches. Rufai also noted that the intense pressure in critical games can sometimes affect other players’ performances. “Some strikers might have an off day, and in a crucial match, that can put them in the spotlight. But Osimhen thrives in those moments,” he explained.
Osimhen’s most recent goal in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic not only demonstrated his knack for decisive contributions but also secured the Super Eagles’ place at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Beyond his national team heroics, Osimhen has been in red-hot form for Napoli this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in just ten appearances across all competitions.
