It’s about stats, not tricks’ – South Africa goal king defends Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen

Legendary South African striker Shaun Bartlett has dismissed the notion that Victor Osimhen’s lack of flair and dribbling tricks diminishes his status as one of the world’s top forwards, Footynaija.com reports.

Osimhen was the standout performer in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday, a crucial win in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Galatasaray striker scored both goals at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, once again proving his value to the Super Eagles.

The 26-year-old opened the scoring in the 11th minute, ghosting in at the back post to convert Ademola Lookman’s cross. He then doubled Nigeria’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, robbing Rwanda’s Thierry Manzi of possession before delicately chipping the ball over goalkeeper Fabrice Ntwari.

Osimhen’s playing style has often sparked debate, with critics arguing that he is more of a pure finisher rather than a technically gifted forward who takes on defenders.

However, Bartlett — South Africa’s second-highest goalscorer of all time — believes the Nigerian striker does not need extra flair to be world-class.

Shaun Bartlett understands Victor Osimhen. pic.twitter.com/WT0e4gJzNr

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“It’s about stats. For him (Osimhen), it’s about stats. It’s about scoring goals, being in the right position, using your physicality,” Bartlett, a member of South Africa’s 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, said on SuperSport.

“He can do it left (foot), right (foot), we’ve seen him score the headers. That’s what it’s all about. You don’t have to have the flair. No sugar, no spice. Just finish.”

Osimhen will look to add to his goal tally when Nigeria hosts Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in their qualifying group with six points, four behind leaders South Africa, who defeated Lesotho 2-0 on the same night.