Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he hopes to return to school and earn a university degree, despite already making his name in professional football.
The interview, first published by Instablog and shared again on Monday, shows the Galatasaray forward talking about education, life lessons and preparing for life after football.
Osimhen said life has taught him many things outside the classroom, but he still wants to complete his 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 said football changed his life, but he knows a 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.
He said he wants to inspire young people who left school because of money problems or other difficulties. According to him, leaving school does not mean giving up on education forever.
“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 connected with many Nigerians because of his own journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Europe’s top strikers.
Born in Edo State, Osimhen became known around the world after finishing as the highest scorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, helping Nigeria win the title.
He later played for VfL Wolfsburg, Charleroi and Lille before joining Napoli in a record move in 2020. In Italy, he won the Serie A Golden Boot and helped Napoli claim their first league title in 33 years. He later moved to Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he kept up his impressive scoring form.
Osimhen has continued to speak about the value of education. In February 2026, the Super Eagles vice-captain told players at Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ikenne, Ogun State, not to ignore their studies while chasing football careers. He also donated ₦10 million to support the academy and reminded them that education would prepare them for life after football.
