He stands alone on the big stage - Nollywood star crowns Osimhen as Super Eagles' clutch king

Popular Nollywood actor Tunde Shobayo, widely known as Cyro, has opened up about his admiration for Victor Osimhen and his respect for past Nigerian legends.

Speaking with Punch, the filmmaker also touched on the broader challenges surrounding Nigerian sports and the national team’s recent struggles.

According to Shobayo, there is only one Nigerian player who consistently delivers results on the biggest stage, Victor Osimhen.

Shobayo praised Osimhen’s work rate, mentality, and impact, adding that the striker remains the clear standout figure in the current Super Eagles setup.

“There is no one other than Victor Osimhen. No player comes close. He is exceptional, the boy of glory. He is the only one in the team who consistently delivers results. Others perform well, but football is about output, and he is the only one producing consistently,” he said.

While Osimhen tops his list of current stars, Shobayo revealed his admiration for past Nigerian football icons who shaped his love for the game.

He described Adepoju as a model of discipline and precision, “He was reliable. Any cross or corner, you could trust him to deliver.”

Shobayo celebrated the late legend for his ruthless efficiency in front of goal, “He might not have been the fastest, but he always converted chances. You could always count on him.”

He hailed Okocha’s artistry, “His skill and creativity were unmatched. He gave fans so much joy.”

While many fans often compare Osimhen to Nigeria’s past legends, Shobayo believes such comparisons are unnecessary.

He said, “Osimhen is remarkable, but it’s difficult to compare generations. Mikel had his era. Oliseh had his. Playing styles and football patterns differ.”

He stressed that each player should be celebrated within their own footballing landscape, “Every era produced its own greats. They shouldn’t be ranked against each other. They should be appreciated in their context.”