Serdar Dursun Points Out Osimhen’s Weakness Ahead of AFCON Opener

Kocaelispor striker Serdar Dursun has sparked debate after identifying what he believes is the major weakness in Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen’s game.

Speaking on Ertem Şener’s YouTube channel, Dursun praised Osimhen’s physical qualities but suggested that the Nigerian striker’s finishing still falls short when compared to his Galatasaray teammate, Mauro Icardi.

“Osimhen is a great player. Physically, he’s number one as a striker,” Dursun said.
“He has incredible sprinting power and physical quality. However, his finishing isn’t very good. Icardi’s finishing is better.”

Osimhen, who is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, will be hoping to silence critics when Nigeria face Tanzania in their opening group game on Tuesday evening.

Opinion: A Fair Critique or a Harsh Comparison?

Dursun’s assessment may sound blunt, but it highlights an interesting football conversation rather than a dismissal of Osimhen’s quality. Finishing styles differ from striker to striker. While Icardi is known for his calm, clinical touches in the box, Osimhen thrives on chaos—using pace, power, movement, and relentless pressure to create chances and score goals.

Statistics and impact also tell a fuller story. Osimhen’s goal-scoring record for both club and country, especially in high-pressure games, suggests that even if his finishing is not always “pretty,” it is often effective. His ability to stretch defences, win aerial duels, and force mistakes makes him a nightmare for defenders and invaluable to any team.

As Nigeria begin their AFCON campaign, Osimhen’s focus will likely be on results, not comparisons. And in tournament football, it’s not about who finishes better on paper—it’s about who delivers when it matters most. If Osimhen fires the Super Eagles deep into the competition, this debate may quickly fade into background noise.