Osimhen Reveals How Senior Teammate Tried to Push Him Out During First Call-Up

Osimhen Reveals How Senior Teammate Tried to Push Him Out During First Call-Up

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared a behind-the-scenes story from his first call-up to Nigeria’s senior national team, revealing how he was almost turned away by a senior teammate.

The 25-year-old spoke during a livestream chat with entertainer Carter Efe early Saturday, recalling his debut experience at just 17 years old. Osimhen made his senior team debut in 2017, in a 2-0 defeat to South Africa.

“When I came, I met Kelechi Iheanacho. I told him, ‘Ah, see me, I’m gonna carry your boots,’ and he invited me to his room,” Osimhen said.

However, upon reaching Iheanacho’s room, Osimhen was confronted by the forward’s roommate; an unnamed senior player, who tried to push him out.

“I knocked on the door, and the roommate opened it. He basically bounced me out of the room,” Osimhen recalled. “Iheanacho soon arrived, angry at him, and said, ‘You see that someone came to see me in my room, and you are chasing him away?’ Then he took my hand and brought me inside.”

Since that memorable first camp, Osimhen has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most lethal forwards. He has earned over 50 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring 35 goals, just two shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record for Nigeria.

In 2023, he also became the first Nigerian since 1999 to win the African Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the continent’s top talents.

Osimhen’s story sheds light on the challenges young players sometimes face when joining a national team, and the importance of support from teammates in navigating the pressures of professional football.