Osimhen Recalls 2017 Eagles Snub Before Iheanacho Stepped In, Credits Ighalo, Mikel and Drogba for Career Influence
Victor Osimhen has shared a remarkable story from his early days with the Super Eagles, recalling how he was once turned away from Kelechi Iheanacho’s hotel room during his first national team call-up in 2017.
Speaking during a Twitch livestream with comedian Carter Efe, the Galatasaray striker said he had gone to Iheanacho’s room to pay his respects, only to be ‘bounced’ at the door by Iheanacho’s roommate.
‘When I came, I met Iheanacho. And I told him, ‘ah, see me, I’m gonna carry your boots.’ So he said I should come to his room, he gave me his room number. As I got to his room, I knocked, and his roommate opened the door. He like bounced me out of the room,’ Osimhen recounted.
Osimhen said Iheanacho was furious when he discovered what had happened.
‘Iheanacho showed up and was angry at him, saying, ‘you see that someone came to see me in my room and you are chasing him from my room.’ So Iheanacho took my hand and took me inside,’ he added.
The striker, who is currently recovering in Nigeria from a broken arm sustained in Galatasaray’s Champions League clash with Liverpool, also spoke about the figures who shaped his career. He credited Didier Drogba, Odion Ighalo, and John Obi Mikel as major influences, alongside his family and faith.
On Ighalo, Osimhen said: ‘He is someone I love and respect so much and I know the impact he has played in my career. He’s a great football player, a big legend.’
He also recalled Mikel’s generosity during his first Super Eagles camp.
‘He asked me to come to his room and he sent me money. I can’t say how much he gave me but he gave me pounds.’
Osimhen reflected on his self-belief forged during tough early years.
‘Even if not through football, I will have money like mad. That’s the way I believe in myself.’
He also described Galatasaray as ‘more than a club,’ praising the warmth he has received and noting that even his daughter feels deeply connected to the team.
