‘We have seen Ronaldo do things like that’ - Ighalo hails Osimhen as Super Eagles’ most important player

Former Nigerian international Odion Ighalo has hailed Victor Osimhen as the most significant player in the Super Eagles squad following Nigeria’s 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen was instrumental in the win, scoring once and providing an assist for Akor Adams to help Nigeria advance, while taking his tally to four goals in the competition.

Speaking as a guest analyst on SuperSport’s AFCON coverage, Ighalo highlighted Osimhen’s passion and intensity as key qualities that elevate his performances in high-pressure matches.

“In games like that, there are always emotions, and there are always players who want it more and react in different ways,” Ighalo said.

He added, “We have seen Ronaldo do things like that. We have seen big players do it.

“Though Victor is not Ronaldo, in the Nigeria team, he is the biggest player for me in that team.”

Ighalo also weighed in on an apparent on-field disagreement involving Osimhen, stressing that elite players should be managed with understanding rather than punishment.

“If Ronaldo does this to Mbappé or anyone else, are you going to send him away from the team? No,” he said.

“I am not saying what he did was right, because he should not have done that, and they have settled it. But in the Super Eagles, he is our biggest player,” he added.