Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku has named Victor Osimhen as the most formidable striker he has ever come up against, a duel that still stands out vividly in his mind.
The İstanbul Başakşehir centre-back, who has been locking horns with some of Europe’s finest attackers, confessed that the Nigerian star brings out the absolute best in him whenever they clash.
“Osimhen has made me switch on… I need to be 100%. If you give him one yard, he’ll be off in behind you, so in terms of testing me and bringing the best out of me, I’d say he’s been my toughest opponent,” Opoku told RG.
Currently lighting up Turkey with record-breaking performances for Galatasaray, Osimhen’s relentless drive and lethal finishing have earned him admiration even from rival defenders. Opoku’s words come as no surprise, given the Nigerian forward’s growing legend and soaring market value, one his club has reportedly refused to put a price tag on.
Jerome Opoku relishes “unforgettable” World Cup qualification moment
For Opoku, though, such encounters are more than just tough matches, they are lessons. The Ghana international, who recently helped the Black Stars secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, says those high-intensity tests fuel his hunger to excel on the global stage.
It’s a long way from the raw, bruising challenges of his early career, like his unforgettable face-off with English powerhouse Adebayo Akinfenwa during his time in the lower leagues.
“Growing up, I remember when we played Wycombe… Adebayo Akinfenwa was up front. That was crazy, because my body wasn’t even developed yet, he just put his arm on my chest and I could not move,” he added.
Now 27 and a key figure in Ghana’s defensive setup, Opoku reflects on those early struggles, including difficult loan spells and a devastating ACL injury, as the foundations of his resilience.
And as he prepares for bigger stages ahead, he knows that facing players of Osimhen’s calibre isn’t just a challenge, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come, and how much higher he still aims to climb.
