In the ever-vibrant theatre of African football, where talent blooms like savannah grass and pride flows like the Nile, a royal debate brews. Two of Nigeria’s finest exports: Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, have set Europe alight with breathtaking displays of skill, strength, and sensational goals. But as the continent crowns heroes and history turns pages, one question rings louder than a stadium horn: Who is the real African football king?
Ademola Lookman, nimble, quick-footed and sharp player stormed Serie A with Atalanta, dancing past defenders and bagging goals with style. In 2023, his efforts earned him the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award. A well-deserved moment in the spotlight and a proud chapter in Nigerian football.
But even before the echoes of applause died down, Victor Osimhen’s name thundered back into the skies, not with jealousy or with bitterness but with outstanding and overriding performance because while Lookman lifted a crown, Osimhen was lifting entire clubs. 
Osimhen is typical trophy magnet. First, it was with Napoli, a club trapped in a 33-year title drought. Victor Osimhen, the battering ram from Lagos joined the club and with thundering 26 goals in the league, he didn’t just play for Napoli, he led them to the Serie A title. He didn’t just make headlines; he rewrote Italian football history.
Then came Galatasaray FC. A move many saw as surprising and dehumanizing, but Osimhen kept his cool and battled with fate. In Turkey, the story repeated. He became the heartbeat of Galatasaray, he still is, tearing through defences, scoring crucial goals, and once again, dragging a sleeping giant to the brink of glory. They now sit at the summit of the Turkish Süper Lig, with Osimhen’s name tattooed into every fan’s heart. It’s becoming his trademark to go to a club, carry them on his back, chase silverware, and make history.
The comparison of these two Nigerian football icons is like that of Continental Brilliance vs Global Stardom. Ademola Lookman had a fantastic 2023, one that earned him the coveted crown of African Footballer of the Year. His performances in Serie A with Atalanta were top-tier, blending creativity, flair, and a knack for critical goals. A truly proud moment for Nigeria.
But while Lookman stood tall on the continental stage, Osimhen soared across global skies. He’s not just popular in Africa, he’s a world-class name. He’s not just a striker, he is a phenomenon because even after Lookman’s award, Osimhen’s star continues to rise like a force of nature. His global influence, social media presence, market value, and sheer popularity tower over all football players on the continent. Victor Osimhen has put Nigeria firmly not just on Africa’s records sheet but on the world map of sport.
The numbers of course speak volume. Let us not romanticize; let us calculate.
Victor Osimhen netted 26 goals in the 2022/23 Serie A season making him Capocannoniere winner. He got over 20 international goals for Nigeria, and back-to-back club-dominating campaigns. Ademola Lookman on his side got 13 goals in Serie A in the same period. Impressive, no doubt but the gap is clear.
Even this season, Osimhen continues to deliver across league, cup, and European fixtures. His presence is felt with every touch. Ademola is surely talented, creative, and a valuable asset but Osimhen is generational phenomenon.
When it comes to the green-and-white of Nigeria, the difference is crystal clear. Victor Osimhen is the go-to man, the striker who delivers when it matters most. From hat-tricks in qualifiers to powerful headers in crunch time, he wears the number 9 jersey like a crown.
Osimhen has scored over 20 goals for Nigeria, including iconic performances in AFCON qualifiers and international friendlies. Lookman is a welcome addition, a stylish winger with flair. But in the Super Eagles, his impact remains supplementary, not central.
Osimhen steps up when it counts. He leads the line, carries expectations, excites the team and commands extra respect. Head or tail, he looks like the next CAF African footballer of the year. No contention!
Victor Osimhen isn’t just Nigeria’s striker, he is the global face of Nigerian football. He is Nigeria’s ambassador in the world of sport. His rise from the streets of Lagos, where he sold sachet water to survive, to becoming one of the world’s most valuable footballers, is a story that transcends sport; a story of resilience, excellence, and eventual triumph. He has indeed become a symbol of world excellence in sport.
So, Who’s the King? Let’s be clear, Ademola Lookman is a champion. His award, his performances, and his commitment to Nigeria are commendable. He deserves his place in the spotlight. But in the conversation of who rules African football, Victor Osimhen doesn’t just win, he dominates.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass;
Khoemizona Babalola
He breaks records. He lifts teams. He scores when others shrink. He carries the Super Eagles with pride. Victor Osimhen is not just a footballer, he is no doubt a movement. He’s sprinting miles ahead, not just as Nigeria’s best, but as Africa’s football king.
What do you think? Is Victor Osimhen the ultimate African football king? Can Ademola Lookman close the gap? Drop your thoughts below and share with every football lover you know. Naija to the world!
