Iheanacho admires Osimhen, hopes to play alongside him someday

FC Midtjylland forward Stanley Iheanacho has shared that Nigerian star Victor Osimhen is his biggest inspiration. Iheanacho studies Osimhen’s game and dreams of playing together one day.

In a question and answer session on FC Midtjylland’s website, the 21-year-old talked about how much Osimhen has influenced his career. He has made a strong comeback to the Danish club after his loan in Portugal.

“Yes, I look up to Victor Osimhen (the Nigerian national team striker playing for Galatasaray). He is a fantastic guy, a fighter who has had to battle his way out of poverty.

“His warrior mentality inspires me. When he plays, he gives everything. He is so hungry to score goals. I see a lot of things from him in myself,” he said, showing his admiration.

Iheanacho added that watching Osimhen has helped him grow as a striker.

“I watch his clips and all the interviews he gives. I try to learn from him. My dream is to play with him one day,” he explained.

The young Nigerian is back at FC Midtjylland after being the top scorer in Portugal’s Liga 3 with 14 goals for Mafra. He feels he has kept that momentum going into pre-season.

“I think I’m basically still where I left off last season. At the end of last season, I scored five times in a row, and now I’m doing something similar at the start. That’s important to me,” he said.

Talking about his return to Denmark, Iheanacho wants to make a name for himself in the first team.

“It’s been fantastic for me. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I’m always pushing myself here at the start to achieve my goals and show that I deserve a central place on the team,” he stated.

He also talked about how his two years in Portugal helped him grow.

“It was different because in Midtjylland I was in the academy. The club’s culture and style of play taught me a lot. I take things with me both on and off the pitch. My time in Mafra really taught me a lot, also mentally,” he said.

When asked what fans can expect from him this season, Iheanacho replied: “You can expect goals, of course, and a player who always gives everything he has. I want to be known for the energy I bring.”