Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has named fellow Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey and Argentine international Cristian Romero among the toughest defenders he has faced in his career.
Speaking about difficult opponents, Osimhen praised Bassey’s physicality, strength, and defensive qualities, describing the Fulham defender as one of Africa’s finest at the moment.
“He’s arguably the best defender in Africa right now,” Osimhen said.
According to the Galatasaray striker, facing Bassey in training and competitive situations has always been a serious challenge.
“He’s very strong and aggressive,” he implied.
Osimhen also highlighted the qualities of Romero, noting that the Argentine defender’s intelligence and positioning made him extremely difficult to play against.
“He reads the game very well,” he noted.
The Nigerian forward admitted that encounters against Romero often pushed him physically and mentally throughout matches.
“He gave me a really hard time,” he added.
For Osimhen, competing against elite defenders is part of what drives improvement at the highest level.
“You learn from those battles,” he stressed.
The striker’s comments also serve as major praise for Bassey, whose performances have continued to earn recognition both in Europe and within African football circles.
“He deserves the recognition,” many fans have argued.
As Osimhen continues his impressive career at club and international level, his respect for top defenders remains evident.
For him, the message is clear.
Great defenders make strikers better.
Competition drives improvement.
And elite football is built on difficult battles against the very best.
