Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he plans to return to school and obtain a university degree after his football career, saying education remains an important goal despite his success on the pitch.
The interview, originally granted to Instablog and which resurfaced on Monday, featured the Galatasaray forward reflecting on education, life lessons and the importance of preparing for life after football.
Osimhen said that although life has taught him valuable lessons outside the classroom, he still hopes to complete his formal education.
“As an adult, not 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 noted that football has transformed his life but acknowledged that a professional playing career does not last forever.
“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 explained that one of his motivations is to inspire young people who left school because of financial hardship or other challenges, reminding them that they can always return to complete their education.
“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.
His comments have resonated with many Nigerians, given his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s leading strikers.
Born in Edo State, Osimhen first gained global attention after emerging as the top scorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, helping Nigeria win the tournament.
He went on to play for VfL Wolfsburg, Charleroi and Lille before joining Napoli in 2020, where he won the Serie A Golden Boot and helped the Italian club secure its first league title in 33 years. He later moved to Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he has continued his impressive goalscoring form.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Osimhen has consistently encouraged young footballers to combine sports with education.
During a visit to Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ikenne, Ogun State, in February 2026, he donated ₦10 million to support the academy and urged players not to neglect their education while pursuing football careers.
He stressed that while talent can create opportunities, education remains essential for building a successful life after retirement from football.
