“I would enjoy that” – Ex-Arsenal defender backs himself against Osimhen in one-on-one battle

Victor Osimhen has been excellent for the Super Eagles in recent outings, netting his 35th international goal and moving to within two of Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer, Rashidi Yekini…

Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has lavished praise on Nigerian football legends past and present, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The former Antalyaspor star named Jay-Jay Okocha as his favourite Nigerian player of all time while hailing Victor Osimhen as the standout figure in the current Super Eagles squad.

Speaking exclusively to Soccernet.ng amid Nigeria’s impressive AFCON 2025 campaign, Djourou also talked about how he would have relished facing the ex-LOSC Lille forward in his prime, before weighing in on the long-running debate over Africa’s greatest footballer.

JJ Okocha, my favourite Nigerian, Osimhen stands out now

When asked to name his favourite Nigerian footballer of all time, Djourou did not hesitate.

“Wow, JJ [Okocha].” he told Soccernet.ng.

Turning his attention to the current Super Eagles squad, Djourou pointed at the Nigerian forward as the leading figure.

“In this squad? I would say Victor Osimhen.”

Osimhen has been central to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 run so far, delivering four goals and two assists as the Super Eagles push towards continental glory.

‘I’d enjoy that battle’ — Djourou on facing Osimhen

Asked whether he would have enjoyed a one-on-one battle with Osimhen if they were playing in the same era, Djourou welcomed the challenge.

“I think I’d enjoy that, yeah. It’d be tough, but I would enjoy that.”

On whether he believed he could keep the Nigerian striker quiet, Djourou drew on experience from facing one of Africa’s all-time great forwards.

“I played against one of the best ever African strikers in the world in the name of Didier Drogba. So, I had great games against him.”

Still, he acknowledged Osimhen’s quality and inevitability.

“I think I love that player, so he will have his moment, I will have my moment — that’s how football is.”

Djourou: Watch the ex-Arsenal star's comment on Osimhen here:

 

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Drogba or Eto’o? Djourou picks Africa’s greatest

Pressed to name the greatest African footballer of all time, Djourou admitted it was a difficult call but narrowed it down to two icons.

“It’s a tough one, but for me it has to be between [Didier] Drogba and [Samuel] Eto’o.” speaking to Soccernet.ng, he said.

When asked why Mohamed Salah did not make the final cut, the former defender explained his personal connection.

“I like him [Salah], but because I played with Eto’o and because I played against Drogba, I would say those two are the joint champions.”

The respect for African football continues, and Osimhen’s rise as the modern standard-bearer for Nigeria stands out each time.

 

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In the coming days in Morocco, the Galatasaray forward will be aiming to continue with his impressive performance when they face the hosts.