Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has shared a candid assessment of Victor Osimhen’s mentality, insisting that the Nigerian forward performs best for the national team when he plays with anger and intensity.

Ighalo made the remarks on SuperSport on Saturday following Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. According to the former Manchester United striker, a calm Osimhen is not the same Osimhen fans are used to seeing devastate opposition defences.

His comments come in the wake of Osimhen’s much-talked-about heated exchange with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique. The duo have since resolved their differences and were both influential as the Super Eagles dispatched Algeria to book a semi-final spot.

“We have seen Ronaldo do that, but Victor is not Ronaldo in the Nigerian team; he is the biggest player,” Ighalo said.
“I know Osimhen. You cannot fault his commitment to the national team. The calm Osimhen doesn’t play well. You have to see Osimhen angry.”

Ighalo also revealed that he spoke personally with Osimhen after the Mozambique game, advising him to handle such issues privately. He confirmed that the matter with Lookman was settled in the dressing room and that both players remain on good terms.

Opinion: Controlled Fire, Not Chaos

Ighalo’s comments touch on a familiar truth in football: some players thrive on emotion. For Osimhen, that edge — the aggression, the hunger, the visible fire — often translates into relentless pressing, fearless runs, and decisive goals.

However, there is a fine line between passion and distraction. While Osimhen’s intensity is clearly a weapon, it works best when properly channeled. His response against Algeria showed maturity: no public drama, just focus, teamwork, and a crucial goal when it mattered most.

As Nigeria edge closer to AFCON glory, the Super Eagles will need Osimhen’s fire — but balanced with composure. If he can keep that controlled anger alive on the pitch, the rest of Africa may find it very hard to stop him.