Victor Osimhen has opened up about a difficult experience during his first invitation to the Nigeria national football team camp in 2017, revealing how he was turned away by a senior player upon arrival.
Speaking during a livestream with Carter Efe, the striker recounted the incident which occurred in Uyo during the tenure of former head coach Gernot Rohr, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Osimhen explained that he had gone to visit Kelechi Iheanacho after being invited to his room, but was stopped at the door by an unnamed senior player who shared the room with Iheanacho.
“I knocked, and it was the player who opened the door. He didn’t let me in; he bounced me. He was a big player at the time,” Osimhen revealed.
The situation was quickly resolved after Iheanacho intervened, confronting his teammate before bringing the young forward into the room.
“Iheanacho came and asked why he sent me away. He then held me and took me inside,” Osimhen added.
Since that early setback, Osimhen has gone on to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s most important players. The prolific striker has represented the country at multiple tournaments, including three Africa Cup of Nations editions, and currently ranks as the second-highest goalscorer in Super Eagles history with 35 goals, just behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini.