Osayi-Samuel Backs Osimhen Over Haaland, Highlights Nigerian Star’s Relentless Work Rate
Super Eagles fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel has ignited fresh debate among football fans after naming Victor Osimhen as a more complete striker than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, praising the Nigerian forward’s intensity, pressing ability and overall contribution on the pitch.
Osayi-Samuel, who made his Nigeria debut in November 2022 and was part of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, did not hide his admiration for his international teammate during an interview with OmaSportsTV. While admitting that national pride might influence his choice, the Birmingham City defender insisted that Osimhen’s all-round impact makes him stand out.
According to him, the Galatasaray striker’s value goes beyond goals. He pointed to Osimhen’s relentless pressing and work rate during training sessions — qualities he believes many fans do not see but which set him apart from other elite forwards.
Osimhen’s performances this season have certainly strengthened that argument. The Nigerian has been in outstanding form for Galatasaray, scoring six goals in his last five league matches and helping the Turkish giants maintain their position at the top of the Super Lig. His energy, movement and ability to turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities have made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers.
From an opinion perspective, Osayi-Samuel’s comparison between Osimhen and Haaland reflects two different styles of modern strikers rather than a clear superiority. Haaland is widely known for his clinical finishing and positional awareness inside the box, while Osimhen thrives on aggression, pressing and physical presence across the entire front line. In many ways, Osimhen represents the modern “complete forward” — a player willing to defend from the front and sacrifice personal glory for team structure.
For Nigerian fans, hearing such praise from a teammate feels like recognition of how far Osimhen has come. His journey from local pitches to dominating European headlines has been built on resilience and hard work, qualities that resonate strongly with supporters back home. And while debates comparing stars from different leagues will always divide opinions, what remains undeniable is Osimhen’s growing influence on both club and country.
As Galatasaray push for domestic success and the Super Eagles look ahead to future tournaments, the real excitement may not be about who is better between Osimhen and Haaland, but about how far the Nigerian striker can elevate his game. If his current form continues, the conversation around him may soon shift from comparison to pure admiration — a testament to a player whose intensity is turning effort into excellence.
