Osimhen cites Bassey and Romero as two of his toughest opponents

Victor Osimhen, striker for the Super Eagles, named fellow Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey and Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero as two of the toughest defenders he has faced in his career.

The Nigerian forward, recognised as one of Europe’s most prolific attackers, highlighted the physicality, aggression and defensive intelligence of both players while discussing challenging match‑ups in recent interviews.

Osimhen said Bassey’s combination of strength and speed makes him especially difficult to overcome, noting their frequent encounters in international fixtures.

Speaking in a recent interview with River Rhodes, monitored by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, Osimhen was quoted as saying, “Calvin is very strong, very fast, and difficult to beat in one-on-one situations.

“He understands my style because we play together for Nigeria, so it is always a tough battle whenever we face each other.”

He also singled out Romero for his relentless defending and tactical awareness, describing the Argentine World Cup winner as a player who constantly pressures attackers.

“Romero is another really tough defender.

“He is aggressive, always focused, and doesn’t give strikers time on the ball,” he added.

Throughout his spells in France, Italy and various European competitions, Osimhen has confronted numerous elite defenders, cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s leading forwards.

The striker’s remarks come amid another strong season in Europe, with his consistent goal‑scoring attracting interest from several top clubs.

Bassey continues to enhance his standing for both club and country with versatility across the back line, while Romero remains a key figure for Tottenham and the Argentina national team.