Oliseh Challenges Osimhen and Lookman to Secure Silverware for Nigeria

Former Super Eagles head coach and legendary Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has called upon the nation’s premier attacking duo, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, to translate their elite club form into international honors. During the latest episode of his Global Football Insights podcast, aired on Friday, March 6, 2026, Oliseh lauded the pair for their exceptional displays in the UEFA Champions League. He identified their performances for Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid as evidence of their “top-tier” status, suggesting that their leadership is the missing ingredient required to elevate Nigeria back to the pinnacle of African football.

The endorsement comes at a time of significant individual success for both players. Victor Osimhen has been in devastating form since his record-breaking move to Turkey, currently leading the Champions League scoring charts after a sensational hat-trick against Ajax. Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman has seamlessly integrated into Diego Simeone’s system at Atletico Madrid following his winter transfer from Atalanta, notably helping the Spanish giants reach the Copa del Rey final. Oliseh believes that if these two catalysts can inspire the rest of the squad, the Super Eagles will finally bridge the gap between being contenders and champions.

“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 [Nigeria] need now is for these two top players to lead the team [Super Eagles] and for the others to follow, and you will have it.”

Reflecting on the team’s recent trajectory, both players were instrumental during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria secured a bronze medal after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff in Casablanca. While the podium finish was a sign of progress, Oliseh remains adamant that a squad boasting the reigning African Footballer of the Year and the continent’s most prolific Champions League striker should be aiming for nothing less than gold in the 2027 edition and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“Former Nigeria head coach, Sunday Oliseh has urged Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to lead the Super Eagles to win titles in the near future. Oliseh praised the pair as ‘top’ talents, noting their impressive performances in the Champions League with Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid, respectively. In a recent episode of his Global Football Insights Podcast, the ex-Juventus midfielder said, “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 [Nigeria] need now is for these two top players to lead the team *[Super Eagles] and for the others to follow, and you will have it.” Both Lookman and Osimhen played key roles in securing a bronze medal for the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.”

As the Super Eagles look to navigate a challenging 2026 international calendar, the pressure on the “Galatasaray goal machine” and the “Atleti spark” continues to mount. Oliseh’s comments echo the sentiments of a fanbase eager to see Nigeria’s “Golden Generation” fulfill its potential. With the duo expected to headline the squad for the June international window, all eyes will be on whether they can provide the veteran leadership Oliseh describes as the “holy grail” for the national team’s success.