Former Bafana Bafana of South Africa striker, Shaun Bartlett, has hailed Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen as the best African player, citing his efficiency and clinical finishing as key attributes that set him apart.
Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Saturday evening. The Napoli striker scored both goals to secure an important win for the Super Eagles, reigniting hopes of securing a spot at the World Cup.
Speaking on SuperSport Football as a pundit, Bartlett emphasized that Osimhen’s impact is not based on flair but rather on his ability to consistently deliver goals.
What makes Victor Osimhen one of the best strikers in the world?
Shaun Bartlett and Sudesh Singh were full of praise after his #WCQ brace tonight 👏🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/XpBM14q9Ib
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 21, 2025
“He’s not about flair. For him, it’s about stats. It’s about scoring goals, being in the right position, and using his physicality. He can do it with his left foot, right foot, and we’ve seen him score headers as well. That’s what it’s all about,” Bartlett said.
Osimhen was injured when Nigeria drew with South Africa on MD3 of the World Qualifiers. (Photo credit X)
“You don’t need to have flair, just finish. His price can go up by twenty million just for that. No sugar, no spice, just finish.”
READ MORE:Road to 2026: African giants flex muscles in World Cup qualifiers
South African coach Sudesh Singh also praised Osimhen’s ability to position himself in the right place at the right time.
“The other thing is his movement in the box. It’s just like he’s in the kitchen. His movement is very intelligent. How to move, the anticipation, and the arrival in the box,” Singh noted.
Osimhen, who currently plays for Napoli in Italy’s Serie A, has continued to attract global attention with his goal-scoring prowess. With the win over Rwanda, Nigeria now turns its focus to their next match against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
A victory against Zimbabwe will further strengthen Nigeria’s position in the qualifiers and edge them closer to securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
