Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has given three famous figures credit for influencing his career path in a unique and intimate look back at his ascent to football glory.
Speaking in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026, during a widely watched Twitch broadcast with comedian Carter Efe, the 27-year-old striker went beyond tactical conversations to emphasize the human aspects underlying his “Lion” mentality.
Although he was quick to “attribute all my success to God,” Osimhen named former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, and former Nigerian international Odion Ighalo as pillars of his professional success.
Although the striker’s adoration for Didier Drogba is widely known, he maintained in the interviews that the Chelsea icon continues to be his main source of motivation on the field.
Osimhen emphasized the guidance of Odion Ighalo, who acted as a bridge for him during his transition into the senior national squad, in addition to the international icons.
Fans, however, were particularly interested in his account of John Obi Mikel. Osimhen shared a touching story about Mikel’s instant kindness, recalling his initial impression of the Champions League champion when he joined the Super Eagles camp as a small child.
The striker claims that following a team dinner, he went up to the captain at the time and said, “Senior man, I dey come to your room.” Mikel responded right away, asking the young prospect to follow him right away.
The renowned midfield player entered the room and offered real assistance in addition to counsel. “He invited me to his place and sent me money. Osimhen grinned and said, “I can’t say how much he gave me, but he gave me pounds.”
