Former Tremendous Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has come out strongly in defence of Victor Osimhen following intense media discussions surrounding the striker’s on-field disagreement with teammate Ademola Lookman throughout Nigeria’s latest AFCON outing.
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Chatting with the media, Ighalo described the response to the incident as overblown, stressing that emotional exchanges are a pure a part of aggressive soccer, particularly on the highest degree.
“Nicely, the media is taking it too far,” Ighalo said. “In video games, there’s at all times emotion.”
Drawing parallels with elite footballers internationally, the previous Manchester United ahead identified that such moments are widespread amongst high rivals pushed by the will to win.
“We see gamers like Ronaldo react on the pitch. Victor will not be Ronaldo, however he’s a particular participant on this squad,” he added.
Ighalo was emphatic in highlighting Osimhen’s unquestionable dedication to the nationwide crew, noting that his ardour shouldn’t be misinterpreted as indiscipline or a damaging affect throughout the squad.
“You can’t fault his dedication to the nationwide crew,” he mentioned.
The previous AFCON winner additionally warned in opposition to any suggestion of sidelining Osimhen, insisting that Nigeria’s ambitions on the match rely closely on the striker working at full depth and confidence.
“Within the Tremendous Eagles squad, calming Osimhen down an excessive amount of will not be good for the nation’s ambition,” Ighalo defined. “If you wish to win a match, you want Osimhen firing.”
Osimhen has been one in all Nigeria’s standout performers at AFCON 2025, contributing targets, assists and relentless work price.
Ighalo’s feedback echo the feelings of many followers and analysts who consider that zeal, when correctly managed, stays one of many Tremendous Eagles’ best strengths as they push deeper into the match.
As Nigeria put together for his or her essential semi-final conflict, the message from one in all their former leaders is evident: again your match-winners, not bury them.
