After scoring the decisive goal in FK Shkëndija’s 1–0 win over FCSB in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Alhasaan has shared his admiration for Victor Osimhen, urging the Napoli striker to remain in Europe where “the true football journey happens.”
The Kano State-born talent was introduced at halftime and delivered a match-winning performance, finding the net in the 61st minute to seal a crucial first-leg victory.
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It was his first goal in UEFA Champions League qualification—and one that could help Shkëndija take a big step toward the group stages of the 2025/26 competition.
Speaking after the match, Alhasaan revealed that Osimhen is not just his role model on the pitch, but also a blueprint for how African players can build long-term legacies in Europe.
“Osimhen is the player I look up to,” Alhasaan said. “He stayed, he grew, and now he’s at the top. That’s why I want him to remain in Europe. Chasing money is not wrong, but it can also happen here, where the competition makes you better every day.”
Alhasaan’s performance backed up his words. His energy, vision, and ball-winning ability changed the game after his introduction, and his winning goal reflected both composure and hunger.
Now a core figure in Shkëndija’s squad, Alhasaan enjoyed a breakout domestic campaign last season, earning a spot in the Macedonian First League Team of the Season with one goal and seven assists from midfield.
But despite rising attention, Alhasaan remains focused.
“I’m not thinking too far ahead. Right now, it’s about helping my team reach the group stage. Every step I take, I remember why I’m here—and who inspired me to believe it’s possible.”
With the second leg set to be played in Romania, Alhasaan and FK Shkëndija know the job is far from finished. But with belief, discipline, and motivation drawn from players like Osimhen, Ibrahim Alhasaan is carving his own path on the European stage—one step, and one statement, at a time.
