Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has praised Victor Osimhen over his lethal finishing, admitting he wishes he had played alongside the Galatasaray striker after his stunning hat-trick against Benin Republic on Tuesday.

Speaking on Sporty TV, Udeze—who earned 35 caps for the Super Eagles between 2000 and 2005—couldn’t hide his admiration for Osimhen’s movement and killer instinct, Footballrover reports.

“Victor Osimhen moves like a bull — just put the ball there”

The former left-back said the Galatasaray forward reminds him of the kind of striker every creative full-back dreams of feeding.

Reflecting on Osimhen’s three-goal performance in Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Benin during their crucial World Cup qualifier, Udeze said he would have loved to combine with the 26-year-old during his playing days.

“You see Victor Osimhen? I wish I played with him. Seriously. Because I know how to feed strikers like this. He’d give me bonus every week,” Udeze said.

“You must understand players like this, how they move. They move like a bull. Just put the ball in front, and the rest will be history.”

Udeze, who featured at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, added that Osimhen’s anticipation and aggression in the box make him a rare type of striker who thrives on good service.

The former Nigerian defender had so many adjectives to describe the former Napoli star.

“When I put the ball one on one, I’ll just be where I am and be shouting ‘goal’—because I know he’s going to score. I love it. He’s a great striker. Wonderful striker,” he added with a smile.

Osimhen’s hat-trick powers Nigeria into World Cup play-offs

Recall that Victor Osimhen was unstoppable at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, scoring in the 3rd, 37th, and 51st minutes as Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 4–0 in their final Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The win lifted the Super Eagles above Benin on goal difference, sealing a crucial play-off spot behind group leaders South Africa.

Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal in stoppage time, but it was Osimhen’s brilliance that stole the night — the kind of display that continues to justify his reputation as one of world football’s most dangerous finishers.

While Udeze’s Super Eagles career ended in 2005, 12 years before Osimhen’s debut in 2017, his admiration bridges generations.

The former PAOK and West Bromwich Albion defender, known for his overlapping runs and pinpoint deliveries, said players like Osimhen make attacking football easy for full-backs.

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Last Updated on October 16, 2025 10:36 am by footballrover