Calvin Bassey has named Victor Osimhen as the toughest striker he has faced, placing the Nigeria forward above Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
The Fulham defender has played against both attackers. He met Osimhen in the Champions League during his time at Ajax before moving to the Premier League, and he later faced Haaland in domestic competition.
Bassey acknowledged the quality of the two forwards but chose his compatriot without hesitation.
“You can say it is bias, but I am going with Osimhen,” Bassey told Stadium Astro. “Haaland is not easy as well, but they are both at the same level. They are both very hard to face.”
Bassey also revealed that Osimhen has shown interest in playing in the Premier League. Several top English clubs pursued the striker, with Manchester United and Chelsea pushing strongly for a deal. However, both clubs failed to reach an agreement after wage demands and Napoli’s seventy five million euro valuation stalled negotiations. Osimhen later signed permanently for Galatasaray.
“He said yes, he is interested in the Premier League. It is a good league and the most watched league in the world,” Bassey said.
Both players are expected to link up again soon when Nigeria assemble their squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
