Super Eagles attacker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he intends to return to school to get a university degree despite his success in professional football.
The interview, first provided to Instablog and resurfaced on Monday, has the Galatasaray striker musing on schooling, life lessons, and the significance of planning for life beyond football.
During the interview, Osimhen recognized that, while life has given him significant lessons outside of the classroom, he still intends to complete formal schooling.
As an adult, I don’t have everything I learned in school. There are some kinds of life lessons you encounter through life’s journey,” he said.
The 2023 African Footballer of the Year stated that although football has transformed his life, he is aware that a playing career has a limited lifespan.
“So for me, it will be an amazing thing to also try to get a degree, which I’m still considering because football is not something you will play for so long, probably 20 or 25 years, and then you’re done,” he said.
Osimhen mentioned that one of his motivations is to encourage young people who may have abandoned their education because of financial hardship or other challenges.
The Galatasaray talisman said he wants to demonstrate that dropping out of school does not have to mean the end of one’s academic journey.
“For me, it’s to set a standard, to set an example to the younger generation that even though you dropped out due to some kind of challenges, you can always go back to school because the school is always there,” he added.
The statements have struck a chord with many Nigerians, especially given Osimhen’s own ascent to football success, which was marked by humble beginnings and personal sacrifices before establishing himself among Europe’s finest attackers.
Osimhen, who was born in Edo State, initially drew worldwide attention as the top scorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, when he helped Nigeria win the competition.
He went on to play for VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, Charleroi in Belgium, and Lille in France before making a record transfer to Italian giants Napoli in 2020.
During his time in Italy, he became one of the world’s most sought-after strikers, earning the Serie A Golden Boot and helping Napoli to their first league triumph in 33 years. He eventually joined Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he maintained his spectacular goalscoring record.
Aside from his accomplishments in the game, Osimhen has consistently emphasized the necessity of education for future footballers.
In February 2026, the Super Eagles vice-captain advised students at Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ikenne, Ogun State, to prioritize their studies while pursuing football careers.
During the visit, he contributed ₦10 million to help the academy’s growth and urged youngsters to prepare for life after football.
He informed the boys that, while skill may open doors, education was also a crucial instrument for preparing them for chances when they retired from the game.
