Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has shared a personal story from his early days with the national team, recalling how he was once turned away from a teammate’s hotel room during his first call-up in 2017.
Osimhen, now one of Africa’s top forwards, made the revelation during a live online session with comedian Carter Efe. Speaking from Nigeria, where he is recovering from a broken arm, the striker described the incident as part of his early experience as a young player trying to find his place in the Super Eagles squad.
The injury occurred during a UEFA Champions League match involving Galatasaray and Liverpool, forcing Osimhen to take a break from action.
During the livestream, Osimhen recounted how he had gone to visit fellow striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who was then playing for Manchester City. At the time, Iheanacho was already an established name in the national team, while Osimhen was just breaking into the squad.
According to Osimhen, he approached Iheanacho’s room out of respect and admiration. Like many young players, he was eager to learn from more experienced teammates and build relationships within the team.
“When I came, I met Iheanacho and told him I could even carry his boots,” Osimhen said during the session, describing his mindset at the time as humble and ready to serve.
Iheanacho reportedly welcomed the gesture and invited him to his hotel room, giving him the room number. However, when Osimhen got there and knocked, the response he received was not what he expected.
He said the door was opened by another senior player, who was sharing the room with Iheanacho. Without allowing him to enter, the player reportedly sent him away.
Osimhen chose not to reveal the identity of the player but described him as a well-known figure in Nigerian football at the time. The incident, he said, left an impression on him as a young player trying to settle into the national team.
However, the situation quickly changed when Iheanacho returned and discovered what had happened. According to Osimhen, the striker was not pleased and immediately addressed the issue.
“Iheanacho was angry and asked why someone who came to see him was turned away,” Osimhen said. He added that Iheanacho then personally brought him into the room, making him feel welcome.
The moment, though brief, reflects the challenges many young players face when they first join senior teams. In football, respect for hierarchy is common, and younger players often have to adjust to new environments, personalities, and expectations.
Osimhen’s story also highlights the importance of support and mentorship within a team. Iheanacho’s reaction, many fans say, shows the role senior players can play in helping younger teammates feel accepted and confident.
Since that early experience in 2017, Osimhen’s career has grown rapidly. He has become one of Nigeria’s most important players and a key figure in the Super Eagles attack. Known for his speed, strength, and goal-scoring ability, he has earned recognition both in Africa and in Europe.
His journey to the top has not been without challenges. Before his rise, Osimhen gained attention after finishing as top scorer at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015. That performance opened doors for him in Europe, where he went on to play in countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, and Italy before moving to Turkey.
Over the years, he has developed into a leading striker, carrying the hopes of many Nigerian fans who look to the national team for success in international competitions.
The Super Eagles, one of Africa’s most successful football teams, have a long history of blending experienced players with emerging talents. This mix is seen as important for maintaining competitiveness and building for the future.
Stories like Osimhen’s offer a glimpse into what happens behind the scenes in national teams, where young players often have to prove themselves while learning from those who came before them.
Fans reacting to the story on social media have praised Iheanacho for his support, while also discussing the need for unity and respect within the national team.
As Osimhen continues his recovery, supporters will be hoping to see him return to action soon, both for his club and the national team. His story serves as a reminder of how far he has come—from a young player seeking acceptance to a leading figure in Nigerian football.
For many aspiring footballers across the country, his experience shows that early setbacks do not define a career. With hard work, discipline, and the right support, it is possible to rise to the highest level.