Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has credited legendary footballers Didier Drogba, Odion Ighalo, and former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel as pivotal influences in his rise to the top of African football, alongside God and his family.
Speaking during a Twitch livestream with comedian Carter Efe in the early hours of Saturday, Osimhen reflected on the figures who shaped his professional journey.
The Galatasaray forward, who is currently in Nigeria recuperating from a broken arm sustained during the club’s UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool, said, “I attribute all my success to God. And there are some people who are human beings who put me on the right path.
“In terms of football, everybody knows I draw my inspiration from Didier Drogba. And also the likes of Odion Ighalo.”
Osimhen revealed that he visited Ighalo at his home on Friday, describing the former Super Eagles top scorer as a major influence on both his life and career.
“He is someone I love and respect so much and I know the impact he has played in my career,” Osimhen said.
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He added, “He is a great football player, a big legend, and one of the guys, people that I have met in football that have really made an impact.”
Reflecting on his first Super Eagles camp, Osimhen recalled a generous gesture from Mikel that left a lasting impression.
“I saw him after we ate. I saw him and told him, ‘Senior man, I they come in your room.’ He say, make I follow am immediately. He asked me to come to his room and he sent me money. I can’t say how much he gave me but he gave me pounds,” he recounted.
Osimhen also paid tribute to the Nigerian football icons he grew up watching, noting their influence before he joined the national team.
“When we were young and used to watch Super Eagles matches, we used to watch Kanu Nwankwo, Okocha, Mikel Obi,” he said. “Even before I got into the Super Eagles, Ighalo has always been running the show for the Super Eagles.”