Victor Osimhen Names Calvin Bassey as Best Defender in Africa and Toughest Career Opponent

Victor Osimhen has reserved his highest praise for a fellow Nigerian, naming Fulham defender Calvin Bassey as both the toughest opponent of his career and the best defender on the African continent — a verdict the 27-year-old striker has now expressed on more than one occasion.

Speaking during a casual interaction with a young fan, Osimhen was candid about his experiences against elite defenders. “I will say, Calvin Bassey. First of all, in training. That guy is very strong,” he said. “I think currently he’s actually the best defender in Africa and of course one of the best defenders in the Premier League.”

Osimhen also acknowledged a second defender who tested him at the highest level: Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero. “Also, Romero of Spurs — he’s actually a very intelligent defender. He gave me a hard time when we met,” the striker added.

This is not the first time Osimhen has publicly elevated Bassey’s standing. Earlier in the 2025-26 season, he described the Nigerian international as “the best defender in Africa at the moment” and one of the most physically demanding opponents he has encountered in training. The consistency of that assessment lends weight to what could otherwise be dismissed as a passing compliment.

Bassey, who joined Fulham from Ajax in 2023, has developed into one of the Premier League’s more dependable centre-backs. His 2025-26 campaign has been characterised by strong aerial performances, positional discipline, and an ability to nullify high-profile attackers — qualities that align closely with Osimhen’s description.

For Osimhen himself, the season has been equally impressive. The Galatasaray striker has registered 22 goals across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign, a tally made more notable given that he missed over a month of action while representing Nigeria at AFCON 2025. His form has continued into the Turkish Super Lig’s final stretch, with Osimhen scoring a brace in Galatasaray’s 4-2 win over Antalyaspor — a result that helped the Istanbul club clinch the league title.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024-25 season after a protracted transfer saga during the previous summer. The Nigerian has since established himself as one of the most productive strikers in European football outside of the traditional top five leagues, maintaining the prolific standards he set during his time in Serie A.

Bassey’s trajectory, meanwhile, mirrors that of a player coming into his own at the top level. Originally developed through the Rangers academy in Scotland, he earned a high-profile move to Ajax before settling in the Premier League with Fulham. His recognition by one of Africa’s most prominent strikers adds another dimension to his growing reputation on the continent.