FOOTBALL WON’T LAST FOREVER, I’LL RETURN TO SCHOOL – OSIMHEN
Read Time:2 Minute, 26 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed plans to return to school and earn a university degree despite his achievements in professional football.
The interview, originally granted to Instablog and resurfacing on Monday, captured the Galatasaray forward reflecting on education, personal growth and the need to prepare for life after football.
Speaking during the interview, Osimhen acknowledged that while his journey 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 explained that although football has changed his life, he understands that a playing career has a limited duration.
“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 said one of his motivations is to inspire young people who may have abandoned their education due to financial difficulties or other challenges.
He explained that leaving school temporarily should not prevent anyone from pursuing academic goals later in life.
“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 comments have attracted attention from Nigerians, particularly because Osimhen’s journey to football stardom was marked by humble beginnings, perseverance and personal sacrifices before he established himself among Europe’s top strikers.
Born in Edo State, Osimhen gained global recognition after emerging as the top scorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he helped Nigeria win the tournament.
He later featured for clubs including VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, Charleroi in Belgium and Lille in France before joining Italian giants Napoli in 2020 in a record transfer.
At Napoli, Osimhen became one of the most feared forwards in world football, winning the Serie A Golden Boot and helping the club secure their first league title in 33 years.
He later moved to Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he continued his impressive goalscoring form.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Osimhen has consistently highlighted the importance of education for young footballers.
In February 2026, the Super Eagles vice-captain advised players at Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ikenne, Ogun State, not to abandon their education while pursuing football careers.
During the visit, he donated ₦10 million to support the academy’s development and encouraged the young players to prepare for life beyond football.
He told the youngsters that while talent could create opportunities, education remained a vital tool that would help them navigate life after retirement from the sport.
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