Victor Osimhen has been lavished with praise from an unexpected source, with former Besiktas and Canada midfielder Atiba Hutchinson labelling the Nigerian hitman as the perfect modern forward.
The Galatasaray striker, currently spearheading Nigeria’s AFCON charge in Morocco with four goals, earned the lofty acclaim not just for his goalscoring but for his relentless all round work. Hutchinson, a legend at Besiktas, the fierce rivals of Osimhen’s current club, broke club loyalties to commend the Super Eagles star.
“He’s a player, man, he’s a coach’s ideal striker,” the 42 year old declared on the Obi One podcast. “You know you’re going to get goals from him every single game that he plays, and it’s the work ethic that he puts into it.”
Hutchinson, who spent a decade in Istanbul, highlighted the aspect of Osimhen’s game that often goes unnoticed. “He’s helping the team defensively like crazy. He’s running up, he’s running down, he never takes a second off, and that’s what a coach wants.”
The former midfielder’s comments are sure to raise eyebrows among Besiktas fans, given the deep seated rivalry with Osimhen’s Galatasaray. But Hutchinson was unequivocal in his assessment, emphasising the complete package Osimhen offers. “He wants somebody who will play with the ball, in and around the box, who can score, but most importantly, assist the team defensively when they need help,” he concluded.
Currently sitting second in the AFCON 2025 goalscoring charts, only behind Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, Osimhen’s form is a major reason why Eric Chelle’s Nigeria are considered serious contenders in the latter stages. This endorsement from a seasoned professional and former rival underlines a growing consensus: Osimhen’s value extends far beyond the goals column, embodying the intense, selfless style that defines the modern elite striker.