“He’s the Best”: Ekong Lists What Makes Osimhen Dangerous Ahead of World Cup Playoff Final

“He’s the Best”: Ekong Lists What Makes Osimhen Dangerous Ahead of World Cup Playoff Final

  • Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has mentioned what makes Victor Osimhen a dangerous striker
  • Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen scored a brace in Nigeria's 4-1 win over Gabon in the semifinal of the World Cup playoffs on Thursday night, November 13
  • Nigeria and DR Congo meet on Sunday, November 16, in Rabat, with a 2026 inter-continental playoff ticket on the line

Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong has revealed what sets Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen apart from other strikers in the world currently.

Osimhen inspired Nigeria’s qualification for the final of the 2026 World Cup playoff after scoring a brace, with Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke also getting on the scoresheet in the Super Eagles’ 4-1 victory over Gabon on Thursday night, November 13.

Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria,Rashidi Yekini, Football, Africa.
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is currently Nigeria's second all-time highest goal scorer behind Rashidi Yekini. Photo by: PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

The three-time AFCON winners will now face the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who left it late to defeat the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Chancel Mbemba, per Reuters.

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Gianni Infantino: FIFA president hails Osimhen's heroics as Nigeria advances to World Cup playoff final

A win for Nigeria means that they will be Africa's representative at the intercontinental playoff in Mexico next year, per FIFA.

Troost-Ekong labels Osimhen the best striker in the world

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has described Victor Osimhen as the best striker in the world at the moment.

In a viral post on X, the former Watford captain explained that Osimhen has scored five goals for Nigeria in the last two matches: a hat trick against Benin Republic and a brace against Gabon.

William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Nigeria, Ivory Coast.
William Troost-Ekong and Victor Osimhen during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Photo by: MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

Troost-Ekong admitted he normally avoids singling out players but said Osimhen’s qualities are impossible to overlook. The 32-year-old said:

“Like I said, I don't always feel comfortable singling out players. You ask me now, so Victor is a very special player and the best forward in the world right now, and I cannot just put that down to the last goals that he scored over the last two games."

The Al-Kholood captain said Osimhen's hunger and determination for greatness makes him more dangerous on the pitch.

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Eric Chelle thanks Victor Osimhen as Super Eagles secure World Cup playoff final vs DR Congo, video

Troost-Ekong mentioned that the striker’s mentality is what truly puts him above the rest. He said:

“The actual thing that makes Victor a standout player is his hunger and determination, which is something that he had from day one and probably has been part of his upbringing and who he is as a person.
“It's great to have a player like that in the team, and he is going to be an important leader. His legacy will be big for Nigeria, and he needs other players; he's not playing alone and he has done very well."

CAF sends message to Osimhen

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Victor Osimhen after his brace in Nigeria's 4-1 win against Gabon in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs on Thursday night, November 13.

The Super Eagles' win over the Panthers has put them in a better position to become Africa's representative at the inter-continental play-offs in March 2026.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dare Kuti avatar

Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.