By Wellington Jopelo
Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about an incident during his early days with the national team in 2017, when he was turned away from a teammate’s hotel room before being welcomed in by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Osimhen shared the story during a livestream conversation with comedian Carter Efe, revealing that the experience happened during his first call-up to the Super Eagles.
He explained that as a young player trying to show respect, he went to visit Iheanacho, who had invited him to his room at the time.
According to Osimhen, he had arrived at the room and knocked on the door, expecting to meet Iheanacho as planned.
However, the door was opened by another senior player who was sharing the room with Iheanacho, and the player refused him entry.
Osimhen said he was dismissed at the door despite introducing himself and explaining that he came to see Iheanacho.
He noted that he chose not to mention the identity of the player but described him as a well-known figure in Nigerian football at the time.
Moments later, Iheanacho arrived and noticed what had happened, expressing displeasure over the treatment given to Osimhen.
The former Manchester City forward reportedly confronted his roommate and questioned why his guest was turned away.
Osimhen said Iheanacho then personally took him inside the room, ending the awkward moment.
The striker added that the experience happened in 2017, during his early days with the Super Eagles before he rose to become one of Africa’s top forwards.
He is currently in Nigeria recovering from a broken arm sustained during a UEFA Champions League match involving Galatasaray.