Former Cameroon captain Rigobert Song has sparked debate after claiming that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are not world-class players, despite both Nigerians being recent African Player of The Year award winners.
In a video shared on social media by ESPN, Song was asked to give a simple yes or no response when presented with a list of leading Africa Cup of Nations players and whether he considered them world-class.
The former defender answered no when asked about Osimhen and Lookman, while giving affirmative responses for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, Achraf Hakimi, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Omar Marmoush, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ronwen Williams, Wilfried Zaha, Patson Daka, Mbwana Samatta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Brahim Diaz and himself.
Out of the 18 players mentioned, Song classified 15 as world-class, with Osimhen and Lookman among the three he did not include, a stance that has drawn attention given their recent individual achievements.
Osimhen was named African footballer of the year in 2023 after firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, finishing the season as the league’s top scorer and leading the Italian club to the Champions League quarter-finals. The striker has since maintained his reputation as one of Europe’s most feared forwards in Galatasaray, combining pace, power and goals at the highest level.
Lookman, crowned African footballer of the year in 2024, enjoyed a landmark season with Atalanta, playing a decisive role in their Europa League triumph and delivering a historic hat-trick in the final. His performances across domestic and European competitions, coupled with his impact for Nigeria, have placed him among the continent’s standout attacking players.
Song, now head coach of the Central African Republic national team, remains one of Africa’s most decorated international footballers. During his playing career, he featured in a record eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and captained Cameroon at five of them, winning the title in 2000 and 2002. He also holds the record for most consecutive matches played at the tournament with 35 appearances.
At club level, Song enjoyed spells in Europe with Liverpool, West Ham United and 1 FC Köln after leaving Italy in 1999, before returning to France with Lens.
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