Victor Osimhen gave football fans a memorable television moment when he made a surprise video call to his childhood hero, Didier Drogba, during a private celebrity edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The special fun-programme (hilariously staged in a hotel room) was hosted by popular presenter Frank Edoho and featured Nigeria's most valuable player, Osimhen. During the game, Osimhen faced a tricky football question that even many Chelsea supporters would have needed time to answer.
The Galatasaray striker was asked to state the exact number of goals Drogba scored for Chelsea across his two spells at the English club. Drogba played for Chelsea from 2004 to 2012 before returning for the 2014/15 season, becoming one of the greatest players in the club's history.
Although Osimhen knew that Drogba scored 164 goals, he still had doubts. Rather than risk giving the wrong answer, he decided to use his “Phone a Friend” lifeline in the most unexpected way possible. Instead of calling a family member or another football expert, Osimhen video-called Drogba himself.
The moment the Ivorian legend answered the call, Victor Osimhen burst into laughter and cheers, while hailing the Ivorian legend as ‘Big man'. Edoho, who is a self-confessed Chelsea fan, smiled with excitement before telling Drogba how much Nigerians admire and appreciate him for everything he achieved in both African football and the English Premier League.
Drogba calmly helped Osimhen confirm the correct answer – 164 Chelsea goals – which allowed the Super Eagles striker to continue in the competition.
Victor Osimhen and Didier Drogba friendship
While being a fun football quiz highlight, the catchy television moment also shows a friendship that has grown stronger over many years.
Growing up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, Victor Osimhen spent countless hours watching videos of Drogba. He admired the former Chelsea striker's strength, powerful running, ability to score with both feet and his head, and his habit of delivering in the biggest matches. Osimhen has often admitted that he copied many parts of Drogba's playing style while dreaming of becoming a professional footballer.
Their relationship began after Osimhen won the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Soon after the tournament, Drogba publicly congratulated the young Nigerian. Osimhen later revealed that receiving praise from his childhood idol gave him even greater motivation to succeed in Europe.
Since then, their connection has developed into a genuine mentorship. Drogba regularly watches Osimhen's matches and has privately offered advice through text messages and phone calls. According to Osimhen, the Chelsea legend has shared tactical ideas, words of encouragement and honest feedback to help him improve his game.
The two were also seen together several times during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. They warmly greeted each other in the stadium tunnels, where Drogba reportedly encouraged Osimhen by telling him that he had everything needed to build an even greater legacy for African football.
Their relationship continued when Osimhen completed his high-profile move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Drogba, who also formerly played for the Turkish giants, reportedly advised the Nigerian striker about life in Istanbul and welcomed him by saying he now had “an army of lions” supporting him.
Drogba has also never hidden his desire to see Osimhen play for Chelsea, although that move may not happen this summer. That is because Galatasaray insist they have no intention of letting the Nigeria international leave amidst interest from top European clubs.
Osimhen also seems happy in Istanbul where he has won the Super Lig title back-to-back and is already one of the highest-scoring foreigners in Galatasaray's history.
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