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Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has revealed his thoughts after being dethroned as African Footballer of the year by compatriot Ademola Lookman
Victor Osimhen has spoken about Ademola Lookman’s CAF Player of the Year (POTY) victory, describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria.
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The Galatasaray striker also addressed rumors of tension between him and Lookman following the award.
Osimhen shuts down rumors of rift with Lookman
After Lookman’s historic win, speculation arose after Osimhen was accused of failing to publicly congratulate his compatriot.
However, Osimhen dismissed the controversy, making it clear that he had already spoken with Lookman privately.
Speaking on the ObiOne Podcast with Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel, Osimhen said, “I have a great relationship with him, not on social media, [but] we used to speak a lot, [even] with his father, so I already spoke with him.”
He also revealed that he had predicted Lookman’s win months before the award ceremony, adding, “Even two months prior to when he won it, I told him in person, we chatted on WhatsApp, I said, ‘You deserve it. Keep on doing it like this [and] you’re going to win it for sure, hundred percent.’”
Osimhen revels in proud moment for Nigeria
Osimhen also noted that Lookman’s win was bigger than just an individual accolade, calling it a success for the entire nation.
The Galatasaray forward told Mikel, “First of all, it was never my crown, it was just my turn to wear it. To be able to come back again, that a Nigerian won it, is a big achievement for the country, for Lookman, for his family.”
Looking ahead, Osimhen is optimistic about another Nigerian winning the award next year, and he also said to Mikel, “For me, I hope it [CAF POTY] is going to come back to Nigeria. We have a lot of quality players who can also win it: him [Lookman], me, Boniface, the rest of the guys.”
Osimhen and Lookman hope to combine linking up to great effect and lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles when they take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe in crucial World Cup qualifiers this March.
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