20241122 104654

“Senior man”- Victor Osimhen hails forgotten Super Eagles striker after reunion in Super Lig cracker

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has hailed compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme after they met in Galatasaray’s 4-3 win over Trabzonspor on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen was unavailable for selection when Galatasaray played Malmo last Thursday due to a slight injury. But he returned to the bench when the reigning Turkish champions welcomed rivals Trabzonspor to Rams Park on Monday.

The tie was filled with drama, as it witnessed two lead changes before the 60th minute. Osimhen was introduced into the game in the 75th minute to add some bite to Galatasaray’s attack, and his presence eventually yielded fruits, as the Lions scored a 98th-minute winner to seal the victory.

Osimhen was not the only Nigerian star on parade, though. Nwakaeme was also on the pitch for Trabzonspor. The 35-year-old attacker played all 90 minutes and had a decent game.

After the game, Osimhen took to social media to hail Nwakaeme, who got into the Super Eagles squad way before him.

Victor Osimhen and Anthony Nwakaeme in Galatasaray’s 4-3 win over Trabzonspor

Nwakaeme’s only cap for Nigeria came in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash against Algeria on November 17. Nigeria initially took a 1-1 draw from the game.

However, FIFA later awarded Algeria a 3-0 win after it was discovered that Nigeria fielded Shehu Abdullahi, who was ineligible to play due to his accumulation of yellow cards.

imago531276780 scaled
KRASNODAR, RUSSIA – November 14, 2017: Anthony Nwakaeme (L) during a friendly match between the national teams of Argentina and Nigeria, 2017, Russia

Since then, Nwakaeme has been out of the national team. And even though he has not officially retired from international football, it is very unlikely that he will play for Nigeria again.

The 35-year-old forward has one goal and one assist for Trabzonspor this season.