‘He's always passionate’ - NSC chairman claims Osimhen puts emotion in Super Eagles games

Dikko highlighted Osimhen's critical role in the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where his presence often proved to be the difference-maker. 

The Galatasaray forward was Nigeria's most decisive player, scoring six goals during the qualifiers, including a memorable hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Benin on October 14.

The striker missed five matches due to fitness concerns, a period in which the Super Eagles struggled, securing only four points from a possible fifteen.

Speaking to Channels TV, Dikko offered a glimpse into the striker's fiery temperament, especially following disappointing outcomes.

"Forget what you see outside the pitch. After every game, if the team does not do well, we have to manage Osimhen in the dressing room because he's always passionate about it," Dikko explained.

The NSC chairman noted that the former Napoli star expects his teammates to match his own relentless commitment on the field.

"He wants to push everybody to deliver," Dikko added. "He wants everyone to play the way he plays, with the heart, with the mind, with everything they've got, regardless of whether they get injured or not. 

“He's a good positive for the team, and even if you look at the qualification, basically all the games that he didn’t play, we had a problem."

With 29 goals in 44 appearances for his country, Osimhen is rapidly closing in on a historic milestone. 

He is now just nine goals shy of surpassing the late Rashidi Yekini as Nigeria's all-time leading goalscorer.