Sunday Oliseh to Victor Osimhen: Pray, Lead, and Let the World Cup Open the Door
Nigerian football icon Sunday Oliseh has sent a heartfelt message to Victor Osimhen, urging the Galatasaray striker to combine faith, leadership, and consistency as he navigates a tricky phase in his career.
The 26-year-old recently sealed a permanent move from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray after a summer filled with speculation — and a notable absence of offers from the English Premier League’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
In a video making the rounds on social media, Oliseh didn’t mince words:
“Victor has to pray. He needs Nigeria to be at the next World Cup. He has to continue leading the team, but even more now. To make sure that Nigeria qualifies for the next World Cup. Nigeria going to the World Cup and him playing well, then clubs will forget these issues that are all around him. Short from that, he will have a problem.”
For Oliseh, the path back to the elite club radar is clear — Nigeria must qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Osimhen must shine brightly when the spotlight is brightest.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C of the qualifiers, behind South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic — not the position fans expected for a star-studded squad. But Oliseh’s words carry more than football tactics; they carry a reminder that football careers are as much about timing, resilience, and focus as they are about goals and trophies.
My take? Oliseh is spot on. Talent alone doesn’t guarantee a dream career path — sometimes, your fate is tied to the bigger story of your team and your country. If Nigeria makes it to the World Cup, Osimhen’s performances could be the “audition” top clubs have been waiting for. Until then, it’s a season of patience, prayer, and proving doubters wrong.
In the end, football isn’t just about where you are; it’s about where you show the world you can go. And for Osimhen, the road to England might just run through the green and white of Nigeria.
