Davido Declares Victor Osimhen as His Greatest of All Time
Nigerian music superstar Davido has publicly proclaimed Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as his greatest of all time (GOAT), sparking discussions among football fans and analysts, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen Earns Davido’s Backing
With this public endorsement, the four-time Grammy nominee seemingly overlooked other prominent Super Eagles stars, including Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface, despite their impressive performances on the international stage.
Osimhen, a former LOSC Lille forward, has been one of Nigeria’s most outstanding footballers in recent years. With 35 caps for the Super Eagles, he played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph and has been a key figure in the national team, scoring 21 goals to become Nigeria’s second all-time highest goal scorer.
Social Media Post Sparks Debate
Davido’s admiration for Osimhen became evident in a recent social media post, where he reshared a picture of the Napoli striker with the simple caption, “My GOAT.” This post followed Galatasaray’s 1-0 victory against Gaziantep, a match where Osimhen, despite not scoring, proved to be a constant menace to the opposition’s defense.
Snub to Lookman and Boniface?
The singer’s declaration comes at a time when both Lookman and Boniface have been in exceptional form. Lookman played a decisive role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, while Boniface was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga victory. Despite their contributions, Davido’s preference for Osimhen highlights the strong bond between the two.
Osimhen recently attended Davido’s wedding reception with Chioma, and the two have been spotted together at various events, further cementing their friendship. This close relationship may have influenced Davido’s public endorsement of the Napoli star over his Super Eagles teammates.
Red Devils Look to Strengthen Attack with Nigerian Forward Amid Striker Struggles
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with the possibility of including underperforming forward Joshua Zirkzee in the deal. The Nigerian international, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in impressive form this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in just nine appearances. Despite his strong showing, Osimhen is expected to return to Napoli next summer, with rumors of an early termination of his loan deal being firmly dismissed.
Osimhen’s Form and Future at Napoli
Osimhen, 25, has endured a turbulent period at Napoli since failing to secure a permanent move away from the club during the summer transfer window. Although there was significant interest from top European clubs including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and various teams in Saudi Arabia, the Nigerian striker rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League in favor of staying in Europe.
While he has impressed on loan at Galatasaray, Napoli remain the owner of his rights, and reports indicate that Osimhen will likely return to the Serie A club at the end of the season. However, despite this, the forward’s performances have caught the attention of multiple top clubs, with Manchester United now reportedly leading the race for his signature.
United’s Interest in Osimhen and Striker Search
Manchester United are actively looking to strengthen their attacking options, and Osimhen has emerged as a prime target. The club’s current strike force, consisting of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, has struggled to make an impact this season. United have managed just three goals between the two forwards in the Premier League, with Zirkzee failing to score since the opening match of the 2024-25 campaign. Højlund has scored just once.
As a result, United are keen to find a more reliable option to lead the line. Osimhen’s record at Napoli—76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances makes him an attractive prospect for the Red Devils. His pace, clinical finishing, and physicality would offer a significant upgrade to the team’s attacking options, making him a key target for new manager Ruben Amorim.
Zirkzee Could Be Included in Deal to Secure Osimhen
In a bid to land the highly sought-after striker, Manchester United are reportedly considering offering Zirkzee as part of the deal. The Dutch forward, who joined United from Bayern Munich in the summer, has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. His lack of goals and limited playing time this season have led to suggestions that he could be used as a makeweight in a potential move for Osimhen.
Journalist Gerardo Fasano noted that Zirkzee’s inclusion in the deal could help facilitate the transfer, as Napoli may be open to adding the 22-year-old to their squad in exchange for Osimhen. Furthermore, Juventus are reportedly monitoring Zirkzee’s situation, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga.
The Striker’s Market and Potential Competition
While Manchester United are front-runners in the race for Osimhen, they are not the only club interested in his services. Chelsea and Arsenal have both previously been linked with the Nigerian forward, and it is expected that they will continue to monitor his situation throughout the season. With Osimhen’s future still up in the air, the competition for his signature will likely intensify as the transfer window approaches.
For now, the focus remains on the player’s current loan spell at Galatasaray, but with Manchester United seeking reinforcements and Napoli’s intentions unclear, the prospect of a transfer could materialize sooner rather than later.
A Major Upgrade for Manchester United
Should Manchester United successfully acquire Osimhen, it would represent a huge upgrade to their attacking options. The Nigerian’s proven goal-scoring ability in one of Europe’s top leagues, combined with his international pedigree, makes him a top-tier talent that would bolster United’s bid for a higher finish in the Premier League and a more competitive European campaign.
Nigeria Looks to Maintain Momentum Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, having already secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and topped Group D, will face Rwanda in their final AFCON qualifier on Monday. Although the match has no bearing on Nigeria’s qualification for the continental tournament, head coach Augustine Eguavoen has emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Eguavoen Stresses Consistency and Team Unity
Despite the match being inconsequential in terms of qualification, Eguavoen stressed that it offers an opportunity to build consistency, strengthen team unity, and keep the players sharp for future challenges. The coach acknowledged that while the outcome won’t affect their AFCON participation, every match serves as an important step toward preparing for the World Cup.
“We are already through to AFCON, but the importance of this game lies in maintaining our momentum,” Eguavoen said. “We want to keep the team in sync and ready for the next challenge, which is the World Cup qualifiers. Building consistency and unity among the squad is crucial.”
Absences Won’t Deter Nigeria’s Preparation
While Nigeria will be without some key players for the final qualifier, Eguavoen is confident that the available squad will rise to the occasion. The absentees include Ademola Lookman, who sustained a minor injury, Ola Aina, who returned to England following a request from his club, Nottingham Forest, and Stanley Nwabali, who was excused from the squad due to the passing of his father.
Despite the absence of these influential players, Eguavoen is optimistic about the team’s ability to put in a strong performance. “We have a deep squad, and others will step up to take their place. It’s important for every player to contribute, whether they start or come on as substitutes,” he noted.
Rwanda’s World Cup and AFCON Hopes Add Extra Edge to the Game
While Nigeria’s qualification for AFCON 2025 is already secured, the match against Rwanda carries additional significance for the visitors. Rwanda is still in the running to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and with both teams placed in the same World Cup qualifying group for 2026, there is an added layer of competitive intensity.
Rwanda will be keen to secure a result against Nigeria to boost their AFCON hopes, while also eyeing potential tactical advantages for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Eguavoen is aware of the stakes for both teams and expects a competitive encounter.
“Rwanda still has something to play for, and they’ll be motivated to get a positive result. We expect a tough match, but we are focused on our goals and the bigger picture,” Eguavoen stated.
Super Eagles Lineup: Key Changes and Tactical Adjustments
In terms of personnel, the Super Eagles will see some changes to the starting lineup. Maduka Okoye is set to return to goal, with the defensive setup featuring Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi as wing-backs. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka are expected to play key roles, offering both defensive cover and creative distribution.
In attack, Nigeria’s star forward, Victor Osimhen, will lead the line. Osimhen, who is currently tied with Segun Odegbami on 23 goals for the national team, will be aiming to surpass Odegbami’s record. He will be supported by a talented attacking quartet, including Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and others.
“We have a strong lineup, and everyone knows their role,” said Eguavoen. “Victor is in great form, and we expect him to continue his goal-scoring run. But it’s not just about him; the whole team needs to perform as a unit.”
A Match of Pride and Ambition
While Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is already secured, the Super Eagles are keen to continue their winning form and build confidence heading into the World Cup qualifiers.
However, for Rwanda, the match is an opportunity to keep their AFCON dreams alive and set a positive tone for the upcoming qualifiers.
Goal of the Week Award Marks Stellar Start for Nigerian Striker
Victor Osimhen has quickly made his mark in the Turkish Super Lig, winning his first league award shortly after joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli. The Nigeria international earned the prestigious Goal of the Week award, presented by beIN SPORTS, for his stunning strike against Kasımpaşa. Osimhen’s goal received an overwhelming 77.96% of the total votes, reflecting the widespread admiration for his performance.
Magnificent Goal Against Kasımpaşa
Osimhen’s goal against Kasımpaşa was a display of quality and precision. The 25-year-old Nigerian forward volleyed home with his left foot after receiving a well-timed pass from former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens, extending Galatasaray’s lead to 2-0. The strike was Osimhen’s first for the Turkish champions and helped to establish his presence in the league.
Although Galatasaray squandered a three-goal lead, allowing the visitors to earn a 3-3 draw, Osimhen’s contributions stood out. His brace in the match took his tally for the season to two goals and four assists in four games for the Lions since joining on loan from Napoli. Nevertheless, Osimhen is currently left out with an injury after a knock he picked up during the league game. He missed the Europa League clash against RFS in Latvia on Wednesday, but his injury is not severe, and he is expected to return soon. The initial loan deal sees Osimhen at Galatasaray for four months. However, his impressive start has led to speculation of a potential extension. Despite Osimhen’s loan move, reports suggest Chelsea remains interested in acquiring him. Chelsea is reportedly prepared to offer €90 million for the Nigerian striker in the January transfer window.
