Rigobert Song Says Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are Not World Class Players
Former Cameroon defender Rigobert Song has said that Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are not world-class players.
Song, a respected figure in African football, enjoyed a successful career with Cameroon and several top European clubs. He helped Cameroon win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002 and was named in the Team of the Tournament in those years, as well as in 2006.
After retiring from football in 2010, the 49-year-old moved into coaching. He has worked with the Cameroon national team and later coached Chad and the Central African Republic.
However, his recent comments have caused debate among football fans. In an interview, Song was asked to judge several players at AFCON 2025 and decide whether they are world-class or not.
Surprisingly, he described players such as Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wilfried Zaha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and others as world-class. He also included himself on the list.
But Song said Osimhen and Lookman do not deserve that status.
Many fans disagree with his view. Osimhen and Lookman are among the few players on the list who have won the CAF Player of the Year award. In contrast, several players Song praised have not achieved similar individual honours or major success at club or international level.
Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football today, while Lookman is a top winger who has attracted interest from leading clubs. Lookman also played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League success two seasons ago.
Although Song remains a legend of African football, many believe his assessment of Osimhen and Lookman does not reflect their current level and achievements.
