Player Spotlight: Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi

Today’s player spotlights shine a light on some of football’s most exciting talents. Here’s everything you need to know.

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen Speaks Out on World Cup Pain While Transfer Rumours Swirl

Galatasaray / Super Eagles (Nigeria) | Striker | Nigerian

Key stat: 24 goals in 29 appearances for Galatasaray in the 2025/26 season

Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most recognisable football export despite the Super Eagles missing out on the 2026 World Cup for a second successive time.

The 27-year-old, who will be 31 by the next World Cup in 2030, has acknowledged that his window for the biggest stage may be narrowing.

Off the pitch, Osimhen visited Lagos recently, surprising fans and friends with gifts during a store visit, demonstrating his continued connection to his home country even while based in Europe.

“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys. We’ve missed out twice in a row. — Victor Osimhen”

— Victor Osimhen

Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi Becomes Morocco’s Most Capped Player in Major Tournaments Ahead of Netherlands Clash

Paris Saint-Germain / Morocco | Right Back | Moroccan

Key stat: 31 appearances for Morocco across World Cup and AFCON combined, the most in the nation’s history

Achraf Hakimi goes into tonight’s Round of 32 clash against the Netherlands as arguably Africa’s most influential player at the 2026 World Cup.

The PSG right back has led Morocco’s group stage statistics in completed passes (144) and shots on target (5), and scored his first World Cup goal in the tournament.

Hakimi has created 21 chances across the group stage, trailing only Yaya Toure among African players since 1966, and his attacking and defensive contributions make him the engine of the Atlas Lions’ challenge.

“We are not here just to participate. We are here to go as far as we can. — Achraf Hakimi”

— Achraf Hakimi

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