Victor Osimhen Recounts How Kelechi Iheanacho Defended Him from Bullying by a Senior Player

Nigerian international footballer Victor Osimhen has shared a personal story from his time with the Super Eagles, detailing how fellow player Kelechi Iheanacho came to his defence against a senior teammate.

Osimhen, who is currently out of action due to a fractured arm, recounted this experience during a recent livestream with streamer Carter Efe.

The striker received his first call-up to the Super Eagles squad in 2016 for a minor African Cup of Nations qualifier.

He made his senior debut against South Africa in 2017 as an 18-year-old. Osimhen, a native of Lagos, has now revealed an unpleasant encounter he faced with a player who was sharing a room with Iheanacho during a national team gathering.

At the time, Osimhen was still establishing himself at Wolfsburg. He approached Iheanacho, who was a regular for Manchester City and later Leicester City that same year, seeking to borrow football boots from him.

Osimhen explained that when he went to Iheanacho's room to collect the boots, the roommate who answered the door initially refused him entry. However, Iheanacho stepped in, reprimanded the roommate, and questioned the refusal to let a fellow player into the room.

"When I came [to Super Eagles camp], I met Iheanacho and I told him, ‘I’m going to carry your boots’, so he gave me his room number.

"When I reached his room and knocked the door, the [unnamed] roommate opened and bounced me [from entering the room]. But Iheanacho intervened, told off the player, and questioned why he would prevent a player who came to greet him from entering the room.

“Iheanacho then took me by the hand and dragged me into the room,” Osimhen stated.

Since his 2017 debut, Osimhen has become a key figure for Nigeria, accumulating 32 goals in 65 appearances. He was also appointed vice-captain of the national team just before the 2025 AFCON tournament in January.

According to information shared by Carter Efe, supporters continue to express a desire for Osimhen, who considers Didier Drogba a mentor, to join Chelsea. Drogba holds legendary status at the London club.