The Super Eagles’ star striker Victor Osimhen continues to shine at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, earning high praise from former Nigerian internationals Odion Ighalo and Sunday Oliseh after Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria.

The Galatasaray forward scored a goal and assisted Akor Adams, marking his fourth goal of the tournament, Footballrover reports.

Osimhen Shows Why He’s Nigeria’s Biggest Player

Speaking on Super Sports AFCON 2025 coverage, Ighalo described Osimhen as the Super Eagles’ biggest player. He said Nigeria gets the best from Osimhen when he is emotionally fired up.

“In games like that, there are always emotions, and there are always players who want it more and react in different ways. We have seen 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 in that team.”

Ighalo explained that if Ronaldo acted like that toward Mbappé or any other player, no one would even think of sidelining him.

He clarified that he was not comparing Osimhen directly to Ronaldo or suggesting this was Zimbabwe, but in the Super Eagles, Osimhen is the team’s biggest player.

Ighalo added that he does not condone Osimhen’s actions, which were inappropriate, but emphasised that the issue had already been resolved.

He added that while Osimhen’s actions on the field were intense, head coach Eric Chelle should receive all the praise for managing the situation calmly.

“You do not take your best player out of the team. The coach handled it professionally inside the dressing room,” Ighalo said.

Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 Dominance Draws Praise from Oliseh

Former midfielder Sunday Oliseh also lauded the team’s performance after the win over the Desert Foxes.

Osimhen opened the scoring with a header just two minutes into the second half and later assisted Adams Akor for Nigeria’s second goal.

“Our Super Eagles are looking like AFCON 2025 champions from every angle — defence, ball possession, and match management. What a dominant display. Just love the attitude,” Oliseh wrote on social media.

Nigeria will now prepare to face hosts Morocco in the semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday, with Osimhen expected to continue his key role in the team’s quest for their 4th continental trophy.

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Last Updated on January 11, 2026 1:10 pm by footballrover