Africa's best: Mourinho ranks Super Eagles striker Osimhen, Liverpool icon among legends Drogba, Eto'o in bold comparison

In a recent statement that has got football fans talking, former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has singled out Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah as the current best African players in world football.

The Portuguese tactician, known for his frank assessments and high standards, drew comparisons between the current stars and African football legends of the past.

Mourinho stated, "You and Mo Salah are the best African players. In the past, it was Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, and George Weah."

This high praise from one of football's most decorated managers underscores the impact that Osimhen and Salah have had on the sport in recent years.

Osimhen, the Nigerian striker currently plying his trade in the Turkish Super Lig with Galatasaray, has been making waves with his goal-scoring and dynamic play for club and country.

Meanwhile, Mo Salah continues to be a cornerstone of Liverpool's attack, consistently delivering world-class performances in the Premier League and on the international stage for Egypt.

Mourinho's comparison to past African greats adds weight to his assessment. Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, and George Weah are all considered legends of African football.

Drogba was a key figure in Chelsea's successes under Mourinho himself, known for his power, skill, and crucial goals in big matches.

Eto'o, who also played under Mourinho at Inter Milan, is remembered as one of the most clinical strikers of his generation, with successful spells at Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Weah, the immediate past president of Liberia, remains the only African player to win the Ballon d'Or, achieving the feat in 1995.

By placing Osimhen, 25, and Salah in the same conversation as these icons, Mourinho is not only praising their current abilities but also hinting at their potential to leave a lasting legacy in football history.

This statement from Mourinho comes at a time when African players are increasingly making their mark on the global stage. It highlights the continued growth and influence of African players in Europe.

However, despite the high praise from the former Manchester United manager, who also described Osimhen as fantastic, Mourinho mentioned an area the reigning African Player of the Year needs to work on.

Per this Pulse Sports Nigeria report, the new Fenerbahce boss is not a fan of the Nigerian’s behaviour on the pitch.

“He is a fantastic player, but I don't like the way he behaves, he dives too much,” Mourinho added.