“No spice, no sugar” – South Africa goalscoring legend explains why Osimhen is the best African player

Former South Africa and FC Zurich striker, Thurston Shaun Bartlett, has revealed what set Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, apart as the best African player, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria's 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda yesterday evening, scoring all the goals of the game as the Super Eagles rekindled the dreams of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Galatasaray forward was subbed off with 13 minutes left on the clock, with Tolu Arokodare coming on in his place to make his Nigerian debut.

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Bartlett, who's the second highest goal scorer on the Bafana Bafana all-time list, alongside Sudesh Singh, revealed Osimhen's efficiency puts him head and shoulders above his contemporaries.

What makes Victor Osimhen one of the best strikers in the world?

Shaun Bartlett and Sudesh Singh were full of praise after his #WCQ brace tonight pic.twitter.com/XpBM14q9Ib

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 21, 2025

What Bartlett said about Osimhen

“He's not about flair. For him, it's about stats. It's about scoring goals, being in the right position, and using your physicality. He can do it with his left foot and right, we've seen him score headers as well and I think that's what it's all about.

“You don't need to have flair, just finish. His price can go up by twenty million just for that. No sugar, no spice, just finish,” the former Bafana Bafana striker said on punditry duties with Super Sports Football.

Sudesh Singh, a South African coach, also lauded Osimhen's ability to be in the right place at the right time.

“The other thing is his movement in the box. It's just like he's in the kitchen. His movement is very intelligent. How to move, the anticipation and the arrival in the box.”

Osimhen, alongside his teammates can make the March International break a memorable one by defeating the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.