Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, crediting the striker for keeping Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive after a crucial hat-trick against Benin.

Last month, Osimhen scored three goals in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin, a result that propelled the Super Eagles into the CAF World Cup Playoffs on the final day of qualifying.

“Our World Cup dream is still alive,” Mikel said on his Obione Podcast, as reported by SCORENigeria. “I spoke about it before the last two games. Despite all the negativity and issues with the FA, those two games were must-win, and we did that.”

Mikel singled out Osimhen for his match-winning performance:

“Absolutely brilliant. Yes, it was against Benin, and people can say he scored a hat-trick, but you still have to show up. It was our biggest game of the season. If we didn’t win that game, we wouldn’t even be talking about trying to qualify for the World Cup.”

The former captain added:

“Victor Osimhen has singlehandedly kept us alive. He stepped up when the pressure was on, showing intensity, passion, and aggressiveness. He is the big boy in that team right now, and we all needed him.”

Mikel also noted the contrast in the team’s performance with and without Osimhen:

“The games he didn’t play compared to the games we won with him in the team are incredible.”

Osimhen’s impact has also been recognized by teammates. Paul Onuachu, who plays alongside him at Galatasaray, reportedly described Osimhen as a “better striker” than himself following their recent 0-0 clash against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League at Rams Park Stadium.

With Osimhen in such form, the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain very much alive, much to the delight of Nigerian football fans.