Media Team
Ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has declared that Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup playoffs would be “impossible” without the brilliance of Victor Osimhen.
During a candid discussion on his Obi One podcast, Mikel highlighted how Osimhen’s heroics reignited Nigeria’s fading World Cup dreams. The Napoli forward delivered a masterclass in the decisive Group C clash against Benin, netting three goals in a dominant 4-0 triumph that propelled the Eagles into the playoffs.
The former Chelsea midfielder stressed that Osimhen’s clutch performance, even against weaker opposition, showcased his world-class mentality when stakes were highest.
“That match was do-or-die—without victory, our World Cup aspirations would’ve ended right there. Victor Osimhen didn’t just show up; he carried the entire nation on his shoulders with that hat-trick. That’s what legends are made of.”
Mikel contrasted Nigeria’s fortunes with and without their talisman, revealing the Eagles struggled mightily in Osimhen’s absence—managing only four draws and suffering one defeat. These statistics, he argued, prove the striker’s irreplaceable impact on the squad.
“Beyond goals, Victor brings an unmatched fire to the pitch,” Mikel added. “His relentless energy, his warrior spirit—when everything’s on the line, true champions rise. Right now, he’s not just our star player; he’s the heartbeat of this team.”
