Victor Osimhen: Did EA Sports FC 26 underrate Nigeria and Galatasaray star?
Victor Osimhen is one of the hottest strikers on the planet right now ā but how fairly has EA Sports rated him in its latest release, FC 26?
The Nigerian forward, who now leads the line for Galatasaray in Turkey, has been handed an overall rating of 87. That makes him the highest-rated Nigerian footballer in the game, clear of Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (85), Ademola Lookman (84) and Victor Boniface (81).
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by EA Sport FC 27
It also places him just below the very top bracket of global forwards: Kylian MbappƩ (91), Ousmane DembƩlƩ (90), Erling Haaland (90), Harry Kane (89) and Robert Lewandowski (88).
Among his Galatasaray teammates, Osimhen is clear at the top of the pile. Ä°lkay GĆ¼ndoÄan and Lucas Torreira follow at 83, but no one comes close to his 87 rating. In Turkeyās Super Lig, heās the undisputed star attraction on the virtual pitch ā just as he is in real life.
Osimhen sits alongside names like Serhou Guirassy, Julian Ćlvarez and Viktor Gyƶkeres ā respectable company, but is it generous or stingy given his exploits last season?
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
Get Our Sports News First ā Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Pace: 92 ā Sprinting royalty
If thereās one area EA nailed, itās Osimhenās speed. With a 92 pace rating, heās faster than Salah (89), Haaland (86), and even Barcelonaās teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (85).
Only a handful of players across the game can match that acceleration and top-end burst. No complaints here ā defenders across Europe will back the data.
Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Photo by Victor ihechi Oguegbe/IMAGO. Copyright: xVICTOR.IOx
Physicality: 84 ā The Nigerian beast
Osimhen is a nightmare in the air and relentless in duels. EA gives him 95 jumping, 91 strength, and 81 stamina, all of which fit his profile.
But an aggression rating of 68 feels low for a striker who harries defenders into mistakes week after week. Heās rated level with Lewandowski on overall physicality (84), yet comfortably ahead of MbappĆ© (76) and DembĆ©lĆ© (69). That feels about right.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
Shooting: 84 ā Should this be higher?
Hereās where the debate starts. Osimhenās shooting is pegged at 84, putting him well behind Haaland (91) but roughly on par with Fede Valverde (84).
Break it down, though, and his finishing (88), positioning (91), shot power (86) and volleys (85) scream āelite.’ His long shots (73) drag down the average, but last seasonās 37 goals in 41 matches suggest EA might have undersold him.
Do those numbers in the Premier League or La Liga and his rating would surely be closer to 90.
Victor Osimhen in action for the Super Eagles of Nigeria against Rwanda. [PHOTO Credit: Esther Umoh on X].
Dribbling: 81 ā Fair but conservative
With an 81 dribbling rating, Osimhen sits in respectable territory without being mistaken for Neymar.
His agility (79) and reactions (88) are strong, though a balance rating of 68 feels slightly harsh. Heās not famed for dazzling feet, but heās more than capable of beating defenders in tight spaces.
Victor Osimhen at the Galatasaray unveiling. Photo Credit: Galatasaray X Page
Passing: 65 ā Underrated?
The biggest gripe will be here. Osimhen managed eight assists in 41 games last season, showing heās far more than a poacher.
His vision (70) and short passing (72) suggest he links play well, yet an overall passing of 65 is miserly. With free kicks (52) and long passes (54) weighing him down, the data doesnāt truly reflect how he helps teammates thrive.
Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit: Galatasaray/X
Victor Osimhen verdict ā Harsh or fair?
On balance, EA got a lot right. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and monster physicality all track with what fans see week in, week out.
But thereās a strong case his shooting deserved a couple more points, and his passing is badly underrated.
Still, for Nigerian gamers especially, itās a proud moment. Osimhen is more than the face of Galatasaray, heās carrying the flag for Africa in FC 26, standing toe-to-toe with footballās biggest names.
EA Sports FC 26 officially launches on 26 September, and you can bet Osimhen will be a fixture in Ultimate Teams worldwide, whether his card deserves the upgrade or not.
