Nigerian striker Stanley Iheanacho has credited Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen as the biggest influence on his development after returning to Danish club Midtjylland ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The forward, who rejoined the club this summer after a successful spell with Portuguese side CD Mafra, has enjoyed an impressive start to preparations for the new season.
Iheanacho has scored in all three of Midtjylland’s pre-season friendlies, finding the net against Lillestrøm, Malmö and Silkeborg to take his tally to three goals. His strong performances have strengthened his case for a prominent role in the Danish club’s plans for the forthcoming season.
Speaking to Midtjylland’s official media on Tuesday, the young striker revealed that Galatasaray and Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen remains the player he looks up to most, describing the Super Eagles star as a constant source of inspiration.
Iheanacho said Osimhen’s personal journey and attitude have had a lasting impact on him, with the striker explaining that he admires not only his achievements but also the determination he shows on and off the pitch.
“Yes, I admire Victor Osimhen (the Nigerian national team striker currently playing for Galatasaray, ed.). He is an incredible individual, a fighter who has overcome poverty,” Iheanacho stated.
“His warrior mentality is truly motivating, and he gives his all when he plays – he possesses an insatiable hunger for goals. I can see many qualities in him that resonate with me.”
The Midtjylland forward also outlined how he studies Osimhen’s game in an effort to improve his own performances.
According to Iheanacho, he regularly watches footage of the Nigeria international in action and pays close attention to his interviews, believing there are valuable lessons that can help him continue his own progress.
The striker also spoke of a long-term ambition that extends beyond individual improvement, saying he hopes to one day line up alongside Osimhen.
“I watch his highlights and all the interviews he participates in. I strive to learn from him, and my dream is to share the pitch with him someday,” Iheanacho concluded.
Iheanacho returned to Midtjylland after an impressive campaign with CD Mafra in Portugal’s Liga 3, where he finished the season with 14 goals.
That productive spell convinced the Danish club to bring him back, and his recent displays during pre-season have suggested he has quickly settled into his surroundings once again.
Finding the net in successive friendly matches has provided the striker with added confidence before the competitive fixtures begin, while also underlining his desire to establish himself as a regular contributor in the team’s attack.
As Midtjylland continue their preparations for the new season, Iheanacho will be aiming to carry his goalscoring form into the 2026-27 campaign.
After ending last season with 14 league goals in Portugal and beginning pre-season in Denmark with three goals in as many matches, the Nigerian forward now hopes to build on that momentum and reward Midtjylland’s decision to bring him back to the club.
