Former Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has praised Victor Osimhen for his outstanding abilities, highlighting that the striker’s commanding performance against Benin justifies Galatasaray‘s significant investment in him.
In Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, Osimhen emerged as the key figure by scoring a hat-trick, leading the Super Eagles to a dominant 4-0 victory over the Benin Cheetahs in Uyo.
This win secured Nigeria’s progression to the final playoff round, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The triumph represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian football, especially after the heartbreak of narrowly missing the 2022 World Cup due to an away goals defeat against Ghana.
Akpeyi Applauds Osimhen’s Influence
Speaking on SuperSport, Akpeyi emphasized Osimhen’s calmness under pressure and his ability to deliver when it matters most. “Every team has a player who rises above the rest, and Victor Osimhen has consistently fulfilled that role,” he stated.
He further noted, “This is precisely why Galatasaray has committed substantial resources to secure his services.”
Reflecting on the team’s initial struggles in the qualifiers, Akpeyi concurred with seasoned player Victor Ikpeba’s viewpoint: “The Super Eagles encountered difficulties early on, which disrupted their rhythm.”
In a record-breaking transfer in July 2025, Galatasaray secured the former African Footballer of the Year from Napoli for €75 million, setting a new benchmark as the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.
Despite missing several fixtures, Osimhen remained among the leading goal scorers in the qualifying group, only surpassed by a select few such as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura.