Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has heaped praises on Victor Osimhen, describing him as the team’s big boy.
The former Chelsea midfielder stated this while reacting to Osimhen’s impressive display during Nigeria’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier 4-0 win against Benin Republic.
Recall that Osimhen netted a hat-trick as Nigeria defeated Gernot Rohr’s side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The win ensured Nigeria will now play in the World Cup playoffs in November.
“Our World Cup dream is still alive. I spoke about it before the two games. I said whatever is going on with the FA, all the negativity, all the corruption and everything that is going on, those two games [Lesotho and Benin Republic] were must-win games, and we did that,” Obi Mikel said on The Obi One podcast.
“Credit to the boys, they absolutely did that and of course, the main man [Victor Osimhen] we have talked about so many times on this podcast.
“If we didn’t win that game, we wouldn’t be talking about trying to qualify for the World Cup.
“Victor Osimhen has single-handedly kept us alive. In one of the biggest games, he came out and scored a hat-trick.
“When the pressure is on, the big boys step up, and that is exactly what he has done. He is the big boy in that team right now, and we all need him.”