The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has described Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as a highly passionate player whose emotions for the Super Eagles often need to be managed, especially after disappointing results.
Dikko made the revelation while speaking on Channels Television, highlighting Osimhen’s influence and fiery commitment during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
According to him, Osimhen’s intense love for the national team goes beyond the field of play.
“Forget what you see outside the pitch. After every game, if the team does not do well, we have to manage Osimhen in the dressing room because he’s always passionate about it,” Dikko said.
The sports administrator added that the Galatasaray forward constantly pushes his teammates to match his level of dedication and energy.
“He wants to push everybody to deliver. He wants everyone to play the way he plays – with the heart, with the mind, with everything they’ve got, regardless of whether they get injured or not,” he explained.
Dikko described Osimhen as a “positive force” in the squad, emphasising that his presence has often made the difference in Nigeria’s performance.
“He’s a good positive to the team, and even if you look at the qualification, basically all the games that he didn’t play, we had a problem,” he stated.
Statistically, Osimhen emerged as Nigeria’s most influential player in the World Cup qualifiers, scoring six goals, including a remarkable hat-trick in the Super Eagles’ 4–0 win over Benin Republic on October 14.
During his absence due to fitness issues, Nigeria struggled, collecting only four points from a possible fifteen. However, with the striker back in action, the Super Eagles earned thirteen points from fifteen, winning all but one game a 1–1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo, where Osimhen scored Nigeria’s only goal.
The 26-year-old has now scored 29 goals in 44 international appearances, placing him within reach of the late Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37 goals as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.
