Former Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has singled out Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah as Africa’s finest football talents, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen claimed the prestigious 2023 African Footballer of the Year award, edging out Salah following a sensational season for Napoli, where his stellar performances helped the Italian club win their first Scudetto in 33 years.
In a conversation with Turkish media outlet HT Sports, the Portuguese tactician discussed his admiration for Osimhen, recalling a memorable exchange with the striker during his time as AS Roma manager, when his side faced Napoli.
“I just don’t like the way he [Victor Osimhen] behaves sometimes. He throws himself down a lot,” Mourinho admitted. “The last time we were opponents, I told him, ‘You are one of the two best African players, along with [Mohamed] Salah.’ He’s a great player for Galatasaray and the Super Lig.”
💥 “VICTOR OSIMHEN HARİKA BİR OYUNCU!”
🗣️ José Mourinho: “Victor Osimhen, harika bir oyuncu… 70-75 milyon € verme imkanına sahip bir kulüpte olsaydım alırdım. Onunla çok iyi bir ilişkim var. Sadece davranış biçimini beğenmiyorum, kendini çok yere atıyor. En son rakip… pic.twitter.com/jHDfW9xuvH
— HT Spor (@HTSpor) September 10, 2024
Osimhen has recently made headlines with his loan move to Turkish Süper Lig giants Galatasaray from Napoli. Mourinho sees this as a major coup for both Galatasaray and the Turkish league, as Osimhen’s talent promises to elevate the competition.
The Nigerian forward wasted no time making an impact, netting his first goal since May during Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations qualification clash against Benin Republic. Osimhen will be eager to maintain that momentum as Galatasaray prepares to take on Rizespor in three days.