Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed the emotional toll defeats take on him, admitting that he can barely sleep any time he loses a football match, even when he understands that losses are part of the sport.
Speaking with rare honesty, Osimhen said his competitive spirit is so intense that defeat lingers in his mind long after the final whistle.
“When I lose a game, I can hardly sleep. It’s very hard for me. Even though I know losing is part of football, I never feel comfortable with it,” he confessed.
The Napoli forward, widely known for his relentless fight and unmatched intensity on the pitch, said the feeling stems from how much he has invested in his career.
“Everything I have today, I earned it. Nothing was given to me. That’s why losing hurts, because I put everything into the game,” he said.
Osimhen explained that his teammates throughout his career have understood this side of him, knowing how deeply he internalizes every setback.
“I’ve had teammates who understand me. They know how much I hate losing and how seriously I take every match,” he added.
The striker emphasized that his discomfort with defeat is not about ego, but about hunger, commitment, and the drive to constantly improve.
“It’s part of my mentality. I always want to win. I always want to get better. That’s the only way to grow in football,” he said.
His comments come as Nigeria prepares for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where Osimhen is expected to play a central role in Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title.
The forward’s mentality, fierce, demanding, and unforgiving, is seen as crucial for a team seeking redemption.
Osimhen believes that discomfort with losing is necessary for any player aiming to reach the highest levels.
“If a loss doesn’t bother you, then you don’t want it enough. That’s my belief,” he concluded.
As AFCON draws near, Nigerians will hope that Osimhen’s fire, passion, and sleepless drive translate into goals, and glory, in Morocco.
