Victor Osimhen: Ex Super Eagles GK Rufai Shares Striker’s Unique Contribution to the Team

Victor Osimhen: Ex Super Eagles GK Rufai Shares Striker’s Unique Contribution to the Team

  • Victor Osimhen is one of the best centre forwards in the world for both club and the national team
  • The Galatasaray forward has been a standout performer for the Super Eagles since he moved up
  • Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has explained what he only does in the national team

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has shared what Victor Osimhen does differently in the national team than any other forward in the squad does.

Osimhen debuted for the senior national team in 2017, two years after winning the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, scoring a record-setting 10 goals in the tournament.

Victor Osimhen, Super Eagles, Nigeria, AFCON 2023 final, Stade de Alassane Ouatarra, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Victor Osimhen playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the AFCON 2023 final. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

His first major tournament was the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he played second fiddle to veteran forward Odion Ighalo under former boss Gernot Rohr.

Rufai shares Osimhen's unique trait

Former goalkeeper Rufai has applauded Osimhen for giving his all for the national team and highlighted a unique trait that makes him different from the rest of the team.

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“We also have other players who can play when Osimhen is not there. The point is that when Osimhen comes into a team, he makes a difference. It is not like the other players do not have their impact; they also make their impact,” he told Complete Sports.
“But don’t forget in life that to be a champion, you just have to give everything, and that is an area where Osimhen is doing very well. He’s always hungry for goals and ready to give his best whenever he is called upon to represent the Super Eagles.”

Dodo Mayana added that he is a player who is not shy from the spotlight even when others hide during poor performances, he keeps his hunger and desire alive.

As noted by AfrikFoot, Osimhen has 23 goals for the three-time, equalling Segun Odegbami and 14 behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

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2026 World Cup: Super Eagles warned they need more than Osimhen to qualify

Osimhen, Boniface break silence

Legit.ng reported that Boniface and Osimhen broke their silence after the Super Eagles lost their final AFCON 2025 qualifier match at home against Rwanda.

The two strikers who shared number nine responsibilities in the match shared photos from the match, focusing on qualification rather than the painful loss.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has four years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com