Alex Iwobi exposes Victor Osimhen’s “sick” mentality: He will fight, cheat just to win

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has given a rare insight into what drives his Super Eagles team-mate Victor Osimhen, describing the striker’s mentality as “sick” in a positive sense, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking on the Best Mode On podcast with Adebayo Akinfenwa, Iwobi explained that Osimhen’s determination to win sets him apart from many other players in world football. According to him, the Galatasaray forward brings extreme intensity to everything he does, even in training sessions.

“Cool, cool guy. Every time in training, he's always getting hurt in training because he's got to put his leg or his head into something that he shouldn't do. He's always been fighting,” the former Arsenal man said.

“Every time in training, he’s always getting hurt in training because he’s got to put his leg or his head into something that he shouldn’t do. He’s always been fighting.

“I’m not surprised he is where he is right now. Some would say he’s not polished, he’s a bit raw, but Victor will create himself five chances a game, just himself, just from hard work and running.”

Iwobi went further to explain that Osimhen’s mindset does not change regardless of the opponent.

“He doesn’t care who you are. He doesn’t care if you’re [Virgil] van Dijk, if you’re a guy from non-league – no disrespect to non-league – he will fight. He will treat the game in the Champions League as if he’s playing with his brethrens.

“He always wants to win, and that mentality is sick. It’s sick. Sometimes it can be over the top because in training, he would like to fight and make sure he’s winning.

“Then sometimes he cheats, and he knows he’s cheating just to win. But it’s just a sick mentality.”

Victor Osimhen's rough road to success

Osimhen’s aggressive approach to football is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Raised on the outskirts of Lagos as the youngest of seven children, he developed a fighting spirit early in life that has carried into his professional career.

After starting out at the Ultimate Strikers Academy, he moved to Europe with German side VfL Wolfsburg. His breakthrough, however, came after spells in Belgium with Charleroi and in France with Lille OSC, where his performances quickly caught attention.

A big-money move to Napoli followed, and Osimhen delivered in style. He scored 76 goals in 133 appearances, helping the club win the Serie A title and earning individual honours as the league’s top performer in the 2022–23 season. In 2024, he made a switch to Galatasaray, where he has continued his prolific form with 56 goals in 70 matches.

On the international stage, Osimhen and Iwobi remain central figures for Nigeria's Super Eagles. Their partnership was key during Nigeria’s strong run at the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Osimhen leading the line as the main goal threat and Iwobi acting as the creative force behind him. The Super Eagles won silver in Cote d'Ivoire and bronze in Morocco early this year.

With 35 goals in 52 appearances, Osimhen is closing in on the country’s all-time scoring record held by Rashidi Yekini. Meanwhile, Iwobi continues to provide balance and control in midfield, linking play and creating chances. Together, they represent both the engine and the finishing edge of the Super Eagles.