Former Nigerian player and coach Nduka Ugbade has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen following his hat-trick performance against the Benin Republic, comparing the Super Eagles striker to football legends Diego Maradona and Rashidi Yekini.
Osimhen’s sensational display kept Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes alive, as his goals powered the team to a vital win that secured a playoff spot.
Ugbade, who captained Nigeria’s U-16 team to World Cup glory in 1985, spoke glowingly about Osimhen’s all-round contribution, saying his performance went far beyond just scoring goals.
“What Osimhen did against Benin is not just about goals; it’s about leadership, belief, and heart,” Ugbade said, per Sports247. “He carries the team the same way Rashidi Yekini once did for Nigeria. That’s greatness.”
The former youth coach continued by drawing parallels between Osimhen’s mentality and that of football’s greatest icons.
“Great players make the impossible look easy. Osimhen is in that bracket. Like Yekini, like Maradona, he has that burning desire to win for his country,” he added.
Ugbade also highlighted the striker’s inspirational impact on young Nigerian footballers, emphasizing that Osimhen’s journey from hardship to global recognition has made him a role model for millions.
“Every young player in Nigeria now wants to be like Osimhen — not just because of his goals but because of his story and attitude. He represents resilience, hope, and passion.”
Despite Osimhen’s heroics, Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification as South Africa topped the group after defeating Rwanda. The Super Eagles will now face Gabon in the playoff semi-final, with the winner set to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the intercontinental playoff.
With Osimhen in red-hot form and Nigeria’s destiny still alive, fans are hopeful that the Super Eagles can soar back onto the world stage.
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