Osimhen names Bassey, Romero among career’s toughest opponents

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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“Romero is another really tough defender.

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

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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.

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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.

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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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