‘I never missed a Drogba match’ – Osimhen reveals he idolised CIV and Chelsea legend when growing up

Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s blockbuster 2023 Africa Cup of Nations fixture against the Elephants, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reiterated that he idolised Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba when growing up.

As a Chelsea player, Drogba scored 164 goals in 381 appearances across two spells at Stamford Bridge, winning four Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League.

A two-time African Footballer of the Year, he was named in the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament in 2006, 2008 and 2012.

Blessed with physical attributes and aerial prowess, Osimhen resembles his idol Drogba in style of play. 

The Super Eagles number 9 has admitted that playing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where the former Chelsea striker hails from is special to him. 

Osimhen said to the  official website of the Confederation of African Football : “Life is surprising, when I was younger, I never missed a Didier Drogba match. I imitated each of his gestures, I did his celebration when I scored against my friends.

“Participating in a TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in the native land of my idol is an honour for me.

“I have the impression of being reconnected in a certain way with the kid from Olusosun that I was and who had a lot of dreams, including that of one day being Africa champion.”

Osimhen concluded by saying that Thursday’s game against Ivory Coast will not be easy as he expects the fans to rally behind the Elephants.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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