Super Eagles fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel has shared why he believes international teammate Victor Osimhen is a better all-round striker than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, pointing to the Nigerian forward’s relentless work rate on and off the ball.

Osayi-Samuel, who debuted for Nigeria in November 2022, was part of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Asked to choose between Osimhen and Haaland, the 28-year-old admitted his view may be influenced by national allegiance but insisted the Galatasaray striker’s overall contribution gives him the edge.

In an interview with OmaSportsTV, Osayi-Samuel stated that he considers the Galatasaray forward superior to the Norwegian striker, attributing his view to Osimhen’s exceptional work ethic and intensity in training.

“If I am being honest it is Victor. I might be biased but I think a lot of people don't see what he does in training,” Osayi-Samuel said.

“I think with Vic, it is not just with the ball, it is what he does without the ball. His pressing! I have never seen someone press the way he presses and gets the ball.”

The Birmingham City defender further highlighted Osimhen’s consistency in applying pressure, describing it as a rare talent.

“I think it is a talent with the way he does it now because it is not just one-two times, he does it frequently. As a fullback, you might make a bad ball but he turns it into a great ball just the way he runs and presses,” he added.

Osimhen has been in sensational form for Galatasaray this season, scoring six goals in his last five league appearances to help the Turkish giants maintain their position at the top of the Super Lig and reinforce his status as one of Europe’s most feared strikers.

Adeyemi Adewale