Osimhen Picked Ahead of Yekini, Odegbami As Nigeria’s Greatest Player, Fans React

Osimhen Picked Ahead of Yekini, Odegbami As Nigeria’s Greatest Player, Fans React

  • William Troost-Ekong has crowned Victor Osimhen as Nigeria’s greatest ever footballer, citing his potential
  • Fans push back, arguing the 26-year-old forward still lags behind Yekini and Odegbami in legacy and World Cup appearances
  • Osimhen’s stats are impressive, but many believe true greatness requires winning the World Cup or AFCON

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has sparked major debate in Nigerian football circles after declaring Victor Osimhen as the greatest Nigerian player of all time, ahead of legendary figures like Rashidi Yekini and Segun Odegbami.

The Napoli forward has scored 26 goals for the national team in just 41 appearances, and ranks behind Yekini in the all-time scorers for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria, Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen, AFCON, World Cup
Victor Osimhen has been picked by William Troost Ekong as the player who will become Nigeria's greatest ever player. Photo by MB Media
Source: Getty Images

Osimhen has been pivotal in Nigeria’s success in recent years, and despite failing to qualify the Super Eagles for the World Cup yet, has led the national team to the Bronze medal (2019), and Silver medal (2024) at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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Troost Ekong names striker with 26 goals as Nigeria's GOAT, overlooks Okocha and Kanu

Speaking to ESPN Africa, Ekong believes Osimhen has what it takes to become the greatest player of all time for Nigeria ahead of the legends before him.

“I think I have to stick with my generation. For me, I think Victor Osimhen has the potential to be the best player we have seen in the Nigerian shirt. Pure talent!”, Ekong said.

According to Afrik-Foot, Yekini still holds the record as Nigeria’s highest goalscorer with 37 goals and also made history as the first man to score for Nigeria at a FIFA World Cup.

Odegbami, on the other hand, was instrumental for the Green Eagles as Nigeria won its first-ever AFCON trophy in 1980 in front of home fans in Lagos.

Fans kick against Osimhen GOAT comment

Meanwhile, fans have disagreed with Troost-Ekong on his choice of Osimhen as Nigeria’s greatest ever footballer.

Nigeria, Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen, AFCON, World Cup
Osimhen played a pivotal role for the Super Eagles as the team finished second at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Photo by Issouf Sanogo
Source: Getty Images

Many pointed out that the 26-year-old forward’s failure to play at the World Cup for Nigeria counts against him in the bid for the “GOAT” debate.

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Kcee posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Victor needs World Cup appearances, then win some Nations Cup.”

Oluwasegun echoed same sentiment:

“Greatest Nigeria player way no get World Cup appearance 😭😭😭”

Another fan posted:

“That's a strong statement! It's always exciting to see players share their opinions on legends.”

While Ekong’s comments reflect the admiration Osimhen commands among his current Super Eagles teammates and fans alike, they also challenge the long-standing reverence Nigerians hold for past legends like Yekini and Odegbami.

Until Osimhen takes the Super Eagles to a World Cup or delivers an AFCON title as a leading figure, the Nigerian GOAT debate will remain wide open.

Osimhen delivers commanding control and assist

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Osimhen showed class during his holiday in Lagos, Nigeria, while playing in a five-a-side football match.

The Nigerian international spent quality time mingling with top celebrities and played against popular celebrity Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, during a street football match during the holiday.

Read also

Angry AFCON 2013 winner Brown Ideye calls out Kanu Nwankwo's Enyimba Football Club

In a post on IG, the Napoli forward delivered a stunning chest control before providing an assist for his teammate.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng