Super Eagles Star Victor Osimhen Reveals His Ultimate Nigerian 5-A-Side Selection
Nigerian international and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has unveiled his personal selection of the greatest Nigerian players for a five-a-side team, sparking significant discussion among football enthusiasts. The 27-year-old striker made his choices public following his impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he scored four goals for the Super Eagles.
Osimhen's Controversial Omission of Sunday Oliseh
In a notable move that has generated considerable debate, Osimhen's selection completely omitted former Nigerian captain and midfield maestro Sunday Oliseh. This exclusion comes amid recent public criticism from Oliseh, who blamed Osimhen for Nigeria's failure to win the AFCON 2025 title. Oliseh specifically pointed to an on-field confrontation between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria's 4-0 victory over Mozambique as the turning point that cost the team the championship.
The tension between the current star and the legendary former captain adds an intriguing layer to Osimhen's team selection, highlighting the ongoing dynamics between different generations of Nigerian football talent.
The Complete 5-A-Side Lineup Revealed
During an interview with B/R Football, Osimhen meticulously assembled his dream Nigerian five-a-side team, blending current stars with legendary figures from Nigeria's rich football history:
- Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama - The former Super Eagles captain and shot-stopper extraordinaire
- Defender: Calvin Bassey - Osimhen's current teammate whom he described as "the best defender in Africa at the moment"
- Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Nwankwo Kanu, and Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha - A formidable trio representing different eras of Nigerian midfield excellence
- Forward: Odion Ighalo - The prolific striker who has enjoyed success across multiple continents
Osimhen emphasized that his selection of Calvin Bassey was based purely on footballing merit, stating that the defender's current form makes him one of Africa's best defensive talents. The inclusion of legendary figures like Kanu and Okocha reflects Osimhen's respect for the players who paved the way for current Nigerian stars.
Record-Breaking Form and Fan Reactions
The announcement comes as Osimhen continues to make history with his club side Galatasaray. The striker recently scored his 50th goal for the Turkish giants, becoming the fastest player to reach this milestone in the club's history. His 13th goal of the season against Fatih Karagumruk demonstrated his continued scoring prowess following the AFCON tournament.
Football fans have expressed mixed reactions to Osimhen's selection on social media platforms:
- Some supporters praised the blend of current and legendary players
- Others questioned specific omissions, particularly the absence of Sunday Oliseh
- Several fans noted the strong chemistry that would exist between the selected players
- Many acknowledged Bassey's rising status in African football
The selection has sparked broader conversations about Nigeria's football heritage and how current stars perceive the contributions of previous generations. Osimhen's choices reflect both personal preferences and professional respect for players who have significantly impacted Nigerian football.
Broader Context of Nigerian Football Development
This revelation comes at an interesting time for Nigerian football, as the country continues to produce world-class talent across generations. The discussion around Osimhen's selection highlights the ongoing dialogue between different eras of Nigerian football excellence and how current stars acknowledge their predecessors.
The Super Eagles' performance at AFCON 2025, where they finished third after defeating Egypt 4-2 in the third-place match, demonstrated the team's continued competitiveness on the continental stage. Osimhen's improved performance from his single goal in the 2023 tournament to four goals in 2025 shows his growing influence and development as Nigeria's leading striker.
As Nigerian football continues to evolve, such discussions about legendary lineups and player legacies help maintain interest in the sport while honoring those who have contributed to the country's rich footballing tradition.
