Galatasaray talisman Victor Osimhen recently unveiled his dream Nigerian five-a-side lineup, favoring legendary icons over most of his contemporary peers. During a rapid-fire interview with Bleacher Report Football, the 27-year-old striker selected a balanced squad featuring elite figures from Nigeria’s rich footballing history. Interestingly, the former Napoli star excluded himself from the attacking slots, opting instead to honor the veterans who shaped the national team’s reputation on the global stage.
Osimhen solidified the defensive foundation of his team by naming Vincent Enyeama as his preferred goalkeeper. For the lone defensive position, he chose Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, marking the only active teammate from the recent 2025 AFCON tournament to make the cut. The forward justified this selection by highlighting Bassey’s versatility and physical presence, which he witnessed firsthand during the Super Eagles’ bronze-medal run in Morocco.
The midfield and offensive selections lean heavily toward legendary status, as Osimhen paired the creative brilliance of Jay-Jay Okocha with the tactical discipline of John Mikel Obi. To lead the line, he bypassed his own name in favor of Nwankwo Kanu and Odion Ighalo, two strikers who significantly influenced his own career path. This nostalgic selection process demonstrates Osimhen’s deep respect for the predecessors who paved the way for the current generation of Nigerian talent.