RismadarVoice Reporters
March 21, 2026
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has revealed that Didier Drogba, Odion Ighalo and former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel played major roles in shaping his career as a professional footballer.
Osimhen made the disclosure during a Twitch livestream with comedian Carter Efe in the early hours of Saturday, where he also credited God and his family for his rise in football.
The Galatasaray forward, who is currently in Nigeria recovering from a broken arm sustained during his club’s UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool, said Drogba was his biggest football inspiration.
“I attribute all my success to God. And there are some people who are human beings who put me on the right path. In terms of football, everybody knows I draw my inspiration from Didier Drogba. And also the likes of Odion Ighalo,” Osimhen said.
He disclosed that he had visited former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo at his home on Friday, describing him as one of the most influential figures in his life and career.
“He is someone I love and respect so much and I know the impact he has played in my career. He is a great football player, a big legend and one of the guys I have met in football that have really made an impact,” he added.
Osimhen also spoke about former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, recalling how the Chelsea legend supported him during his early days in the national team.
According to him, Mikel showed kindness to him when he first joined the Super Eagles camp, describing the gesture as one he would never forget.
The striker also paid tribute to the Nigerian football stars he grew up watching, including Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Mikel Obi, noting that Ighalo was already a key figure in the national team before he earned his first call-up.
Osimhen’s remarks have since drawn reactions from football fans, many of whom praised the striker for acknowledging the players who influenced his journey to the top of African football.
