Nigerian football legend Sunday Oliseh has urged striker Victor Osimhen to pray and focus on helping Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen, 26, recently completed a permanent transfer from Napoli to Turkish club Galatasaray after failing to secure a move to top Premier League teams this summer. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United reportedly passed on signing him.
Speaking in a video that went viral on social media, Oliseh advised Osimhen to lead the Nigerian national team with determination, saying the player’s chances of returning to the Premier League hinge on Nigeria’s success at the World Cup.
“Victor has to pray,” Oliseh said. “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.”
Oliseh added that if Nigeria qualifies and Osimhen performs well on the world stage, the doubts surrounding his career will fade, and top clubs will come calling.
Currently, Nigeria is fourth in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, trailing South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic.
The coming months will be crucial for Osimhen and the Super Eagles as they chase a spot in the global tournament.
