Ex-Marseille & Wolves defender Zubar ranks Victor Osimhen as Africa’s best player

Former French defender Ronald Zubar has heaped praises on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as his favourite African player in the world.

In addition to his goalscoring qualities, Zubar highlighted Osimhen’s winning mentality and fighting spirit as distinct qualities.

Osimhen has scored 15 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray this season and his contributions have been crucial as the Lions aim for successive Super Lig title.

Zubar, former Olympique Marseille defender, added that the Super Eagles star has proven his critics wrong, even after leaving Napoli for Turkey amid transfer interests from Saudi Arabia.

“I watched the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations and I like Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker,” Zubar told Bookmaker Ratings during a business meeting organised by French club, US Endoume.

“I like his fighting spirit, the winning mentality he has in him and how he tries to bring every member of his team with him.

“Even when he went to Turkey, people said his career was over, but he is still showing that he is among the best strikers in the world.”

Osimhen also played a lead role in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – putting on the captain’s armband in some games and scoring crucial goals.

The former Premier League star said Eric Chelle’s team who finished third in Morocco, deserved to be champions because they are a complete team.

“I really wish Nigeria had won AFCON because they deserved it,” he said. “From the goalkeeper to the strikers, they have the best players in Africa, and I enjoyed their games at AFCON.”

Osimhen and his Super Eagles teammates will be back in action in March with Nigeria set to face World Cup-bound Iran and Jordan in a four-nation novelty tournament.