Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has identified fellow Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur among the toughest defenders he has come up against in his career.
Osimhen, who has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, praised the physicality, aggression, and defensive intelligence of both players while reflecting on difficult matchups during recent interviews.
The Nigerian striker said Bassey’s strength and pace make him one of the hardest defenders to play against, especially because of their familiarity from international football.
Speaking during a recent interview with River Rhodes and 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.”
Osimhen also singled out Romero for his aggressive defending and tactical awareness, describing the Argentine World Cup winner as a defender who constantly applies pressure on attackers.
“Romero is another really tough defender.
“He is aggressive, always focused, and doesn’t give strikers time on the ball,” he added.
The striker has faced several elite defenders during spells with clubs in France, Italy, and European competitions, where he established himself as one of the continent’s leading forwards.
Osimhen’s comments come amid another impressive season in Europe, with the Nigerian continuing to attract interest from several top clubs following his consistent goal-scoring performances.
Bassey, meanwhile, has continued to grow in reputation for both club and country with his versatility across the defensive line, while Romero remains a key figure for Tottenham and the Argentina national team.
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