'He is the best player' - Nigeria great Oliseh chooses Osimhen over Lookman, backs him for PL move

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has hailed Victor Osimhen as Nigeria's best player and backed him for a big-money move to the Premier League in the near future.

Osimhen, who was previously linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, completed a record-breaking transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray during the summer window.

The Galatasaray striker earned widespread acclaim following his sensational display in Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin's Cheetahs in Uyo, where he netted a hat-trick to inspire the three-time African champions to a commanding 4–0 victory and secure their place in the African playoffs.

Oliseh praised Osimhen's exceptional work rate and technical quality, noting that his intensity and consistency set him apart, even though Ademola Lookman currently holds the title of African Footballer of the Year.

Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh podcast, the two-time World Cupper said: "When it comes to Osimhen, I think four more games. If Osimhen plays the next three or four games like he did against Benin, I can assure you that in the next one or two years, he’ll be heading to the Premier League. And they will buy him for crazy money".

The 1996 Olympic gold medallist praised Osimhen's all-round contribution and fighting spirit, describing him as a player built for high-intensity games.

"He is the best player we have at the moment, even though Lookman is rated a bit above him because he’s the current African Player of the Year," Oliseh continued.

"But when you're talking about quality and what a player brings to the game, he's the best. 

"The way he played this weekend showed his hunger and fight, this is the kind of match that suits him."

Without Osimhen in the squad, the Super Eagles managed just four points from a possible fifteen in the World Cup qualifiers, but collected thirteen points from five matches with the Galatasaray striker in the team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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