Alex Iwobi on Victor Osimhen: “He cheats just to win”

Victor Osimhen’s impact on the pitch is no longer up for debate. But according to his Nigeria teammate Alex Iwobi, what truly sets him apart happens long before matchday.

Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast, the Fulham midfielder described the mentality that has turned the Galatasaray striker into one of the most feared forwards in world football.

“Who you are doesn’t matter,” Iwobi said. “You could be Virgil van Dijk or someone from an amateur league — he will compete. He approaches Champions League games like he’s playing with his friends.”

But it was Iwobi’s description of Osimhen’s obsession with winning that stood out most.

“He always wants to win. That mentality is crazy. Sometimes he goes too far in training. He even cheats — and he knows he’s doing it — just to win.”

From Lagos to the top

Osimhen’s career path reflects that mentality.

Born and raised in Lagos, the Nigerian forward developed a relentless competitive edge from an early age. His move to Europe began with Wolfsburg, but it was spells at Charleroi and later Lille that defined his breakthrough.

His performances in France earned him a high-profile transfer to Napoli, where he scored 76 goals in 133 appearances and played a key role in the club’s 2022–23 Serie A title win, also being named Player of the Season.

After tensions at the club, Osimhen moved to Galatasaray in 2024, where he has continued to deliver consistent goal output.

Relentless by design

Iwobi’s insight goes beyond praise — it explains the structure of Osimhen’s game.

With 35 goals in 52 appearances for Nigeria, the striker is not only productive but constantly disruptive.

“Victor can create five chances in a game just by running and working hard,” Iwobi said.

That ability is built on a simple foundation:

constant movement
constant pressure
constant competition

More than a striker

Osimhen’s profile is not just about finishing. It’s about intensity.

His game forces defenders into decisions, stretches defensive lines, and creates opportunities even when he is not directly involved in the final action.

Iwobi’s words capture that difference clearly.

This is not just a forward who scores goals.

It’s a player driven by an extreme need to win — one that sometimes pushes beyond the usual boundaries.