Super Eagles Legend Sunday Oliseh Delivers Crucial Message to Star Duo
Nigerian football icon Sunday Oliseh has issued an important directive to Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, emphasizing their pivotal role in guiding the national team to championship glory. The former Juventus midfielder, who served as a pundit during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, delivered this message following Nigeria's third-place finish in the continental tournament.
Oliseh's Mixed Assessment During AFCON 2025
During Nigeria's campaign at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, Oliseh offered contrasting evaluations of the two attackers. While consistently praising Lookman for his exceptional performances throughout the competition, the 51-year-old legend was openly critical of Osimhen following Nigeria's semifinal defeat to Morocco. Oliseh specifically referenced an on-field clash during Nigeria's Round of 16 match against Mozambique, which he believed contributed to the team's eventual elimination.
The former AFC Ajax midfielder stated: "We have two top Nigerian players currently excelling in the Champions League. Osimhen is doing well, and Lookman is also doing exceptionally well. All we need now is for these two top players to lead the team and for the others to follow, and you will have it."
Impressive Tournament Statistics
Both players delivered outstanding performances during the 2025 AFCON, earning recognition for their contributions:
- Victor Osimhen recorded four goals and three assists throughout the tournament
- Ademola Lookman contributed three goals and four assists
- Both players were named to the CAF Best XI for their exceptional displays
- The duo combined for a total of seven goals and seven assists during Nigeria's campaign
Current Club Form and Achievements
Oliseh pointed to both players' performances at club level as evidence of their capability to lead the Super Eagles:
Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray: Since joining the Turkish giants permanently, the 27-year-old striker has scored 17 goals in 25 appearances, with seven of those coming in the UEFA Champions League. He played a crucial role in Galatasaray's dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory over Juventus FC, helping the team qualify for the Champions League Round of 16.
Ademola Lookman at Atletico Madrid: After completing a January transfer from Atalanta BC, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year has made an immediate impact under manager Diego Simeone. Lookman has been instrumental in Atletico Madrid's journey to the 2025/26 Copa del Rey final, particularly in their 4-3 aggregate semifinal victory over FC Barcelona. He now aims to become the first Nigerian to win the Copa del Rey since Emmanuel Amunike achieved the feat with Barcelona in 1997.
Leadership Expectations and Future Outlook
According to insights from the Global Football Insights Podcast, Oliseh believes both Osimhen and Lookman possess the quality required to guide Nigeria to major honors. The former Super Eagles coach emphasized that the duo should take responsibility for inspiring the rest of the squad and leading the team into a new era of success.
Oliseh's message comes at a critical juncture for Nigerian football, as the national team seeks to build on their third-place AFCON finish and compete for major international trophies. The legendary midfielder's call for leadership from Osimhen and Lookman reflects their growing stature in world football and their potential to elevate the Super Eagles to championship contention.
The football community will be watching closely to see how both players respond to this challenge, particularly as they continue to excel at club level while carrying the hopes of a nation eager for international success.
