Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has congratulated Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen following his outstanding performances that helped Turkish club Galatasaray win the Turkish Süper Lig title.
Osimhen was the star of the decisive match that sealed the championship for Galatasaray, scoring two goals to help the club secure victory and emerge champions of the Turkish top flight. The achievement has further strengthened his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most successful football exports currently playing in Europe.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, Obi praised the Super Eagles striker for his discipline, resilience and commitment to excellence, saying the player has continued to make Nigerians proud on the international stage.
According to Obi, Osimhen’s success should serve as motivation for millions of Nigerian youths who aspire to succeed despite the country’s many challenges.
“I want to join other fans in congratulating one of Nigeria’s many talented exports, Victor Osimhen, for successfully leading Galatasaray to the Turkish Süper Lig title with a brilliant performance, scoring twice in the decisive victory that sealed the championship,” Obi stated.
He added that the striker’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Europe’s most feared forwards shows the value of hard work and determination.
“Your resilience, discipline, and talent continue to inspire millions of young Nigerians to believe in the power of hard work, dedication, and excellence. You have remained a proud ambassador of Nigeria on the global stage, bringing honour to our nation through your achievements and conduct,” Obi said.
Osimhen has become one of the most celebrated Nigerian footballers in recent years. The striker, who began his football journey on the streets of Lagos, rose to international fame after winning the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where Nigeria emerged champions. Since then, he has played for clubs in Germany, Belgium, France, Italy and now Turkey, building a reputation as a consistent goal scorer.
The 27-year-old forward gained wider global attention during his time at Italian club Napoli, where he played a key role in helping the club win the Serie A title after more than three decades. His performances earned him several individual awards and recognition as one of Africa’s leading football stars.
His move to Galatasaray added more strength to the Turkish club’s attack, and his goals throughout the season proved vital in their title-winning campaign. Nigerian football fans have continued to celebrate his achievements, describing him as one of the country’s finest ambassadors in sports.
While congratulating the footballer, Obi also used the opportunity to draw attention to what he described as the poor state of sports development in Nigeria. According to him, despite the abundance of talented young Nigerians, the sports sector has continued to suffer neglect over the years.
The former Anambra State governor said sports remain one of the strongest tools for youth empowerment and national development, stressing that proper investment in the sector could help reduce unemployment and social problems among young people.
“I have often spoken about the transformative power of sports and the immense opportunities it offers to young people. This is why the persistent neglect of the sector in our country is deeply regrettable,” he said.
Obi noted that many Nigerian youths possess the talent needed to compete and succeed globally but often lack the necessary support systems, facilities and leadership to help them reach their full potential.
“The truth is that Nigeria is blessed with countless talents like Osimhen, waiting for the right leadership, support, and environment to rise, excel, and bring glory to the nation,” he added.
Sports development has remained a major topic of discussion in Nigeria for many years. Stakeholders have repeatedly called on the government at different levels to invest more in sporting facilities, grassroots competitions and youth programmes. Many observers believe that Nigeria’s success in football and athletics has largely come from individual determination rather than deliberate government policies.
Despite producing internationally recognized athletes in football, athletics, boxing and basketball, Nigeria continues to struggle with inadequate sports infrastructure, poor funding and administrative challenges. Several former athletes have also complained about lack of support during and after their careers.
However, football remains the country’s most popular sport, with Nigerian players continuing to shine across major leagues in Europe and other parts of the world. Players like Osimhen have become role models for many young Nigerians who see sports as a pathway to success and a means of escaping poverty.
Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria can achieve balanced growth if attention is given to all sectors, including sports, education and healthcare. According to him, the country’s future depends largely on creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents and contribute positively to national growth.
“I reiterate that a new Nigeria, where all sectors develop simultaneously for the balanced growth and health of the nation, is possible,” he said.
He concluded by wishing Osimhen greater success in his career as the striker continues to attract praise for his performances in European football.