Nwankwo Kanu vs Victor Osimhen
Nigeria against Nigeria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Nwankwo Kanu
Nigeria · 1995–2008 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Nigeria
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 87 · 12 goals
- Clubs
- Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Trailing Brazil 3-1 in the Atlanta semi-final on 31 July 1996, Kanu equalised in the last minute and then struck the golden goal four minutes into extra time to win it 4-3. He captained Nigeria to Olympic gold days later, won the 1995 Champions League and three Dutch titles with Ajax, two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups with Arsenal, scored Portsmouth's 2008 FA Cup final winner, and was African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999. Career record: 87 caps and 12 goals for Nigeria; club career at Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth; honours include Hall of Fame.
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria · 2015–23 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Nigeria
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 51 · 35 goals
- Clubs
- Lille OSC, SSC Napoli, Galatasaray S.K.
- Honours
- African Footballer of the Year
The protective mask dates from November 2021, when a collision at Inter fractured his cheekbone and eye socket, and he says it stays on for the rest of his career. Osimhen won Serie A with Napoli in 2023 and the capocannoniere with 26 goals, the most an African has scored in a season there, was African Footballer of the Year, has two Süper Lig titles with Galatasaray, and scored a record ten at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup. Career record: 51 caps and 35 goals for Nigeria; club career at Lille OSC, SSC Napoli, Galatasaray S.K.; honours include African Footballer of the Year.
The verdict
The almanac puts Nwankwo Kanu ahead by 2 rating points, 90 against 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.