Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has stated that without star striker Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup playoffs would be “dead.”
Speaking on the Obi One podcast, Mikel highlighted Osimhen’s decisive role in keeping Nigeria’s qualification campaign alive. His comments come after the crucial final Group C clash against Benin, where the Galatasaray forward netted a hat-trick in a 4-0 win that secured Nigeria’s playoff spot.
Mikel praised Osimhen’s performance under pressure, saying, “If we didn’t win that game, we wouldn’t be talking about trying to qualify for the World Cup. Victor Osimhen has singlehandedly kept us alive. In one of the biggest games, he came out and scored a hat-trick.”
He further emphasised Osimhen’s impact by pointing to the team’s struggles during his absence — four draws and one loss without a single win. Mikel said the contrast shows how vital the striker is to Nigeria’s success.
“You can see the intensity, passion, and aggressiveness he brings,” Mikel added. “When the pressure is on, the big players step up, and that’s exactly what he’s done. He’s the big boy in that team right now, and we all needed him.”
