Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has shed light on the daunting reception he faced during his maiden invitation to the Nigerian national team nearly a decade ago. In a candid early-morning Twitch session with entertainer Carter Efe, the 27-year-old superstar detailed a polarized experience involving two different eras of Super Eagles leadership. While one senior figure reportedly rebuffed the then-teenage striker at the team hotel, fellow attacker Kelechi Iheanacho emerged as a pivotal ally, offering the hospitality that helped the future African Footballer of the Year settle into the international fold.
The anecdote dates back to 2017, a period when Osimhen was still a rising prospect following his record-breaking exploits at the U-17 level. Seeking to pay his respects to the established stars, the young forward approached Iheanacho with an offer of service—a traditional gesture of humility in the Nigerian footballing hierarchy. According to Osimhen, the then-Manchester City man was immediately welcoming, providing his room number and inviting the newcomer to join him.
Reflecting on the encounter, Osimhen shared:
“When I came, I met Iheanacho. And I told him, ‘ah, see me, I’m gonna carry your boots.’ So he said I should come to his room so, he gave me his room number.”
However, the warmth of the invitation was met with a cold reception at the door. Osimhen described how Iheanacho’s roommate, a high-ranking member of the 2017 squad, blocked his entry and effectively dismissed him from the premises. While the “Lions” striker has been vocal about his admiration for mentors like John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo in recent interviews, he remained tight-lipped regarding the specific identity of the individual who turned him away.
“So, as I got to his room — I don’t just want to mention the name — he had a roommate. So, as I knocked on the door, the roommate opened the door. So, he like bounced me out of the room.”
This revelation highlights the often-intimidating “initiation” culture that young players must navigate when transitioning into senior international football. Despite the initial snub, Osimhen’s trajectory suggests that the experience only fueled his “lethal determination” to become the cornerstone of the national team himself. As he continues his injury rehabilitation in Lagos, these stories of his humble beginnings serve as a reminder of the cultural dynamics within the Super Eagles camp that have shaped the current generation of Nigerian football icons.
About the Author
