Nigerian football icon Sunday Oliseh has warned that Victor Osimhen’s aspirations of joining an elite European club could be compromised if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former national team captain made these remarks while analyzing Osimhen’s recent permanent transfer to Galatasaray, following unsuccessful moves to Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United this summer.
“Victor’s immediate focus must be ensuring Nigeria’s World Cup qualification,” Oliseh stated in a social media commentary. “A strong tournament performance would make top clubs overlook current concerns and reignite interest in him.”
The 26-year-old striker’s move to Turkey came as surprise after his stellar 2023/24 season with Napoli, where he scored 25 goals across all competitions. Oliseh emphasized that Nigeria’s current fourth-place standing in Group C of the qualifiers – behind South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin – presents a critical challenge for both player and country.
“Osimhen must double his leadership efforts with the national team,” the 1996 Olympic gold medalist advised. “World Cup visibility remains the ultimate showcase for players seeking top-club opportunities.”
Football analysts suggest Osimhen’s €120 million release clause at Napoli may have deterred potential suitors, with Galatasaray securing his services for a reported €65 million. However, Oliseh maintains that impressive World Cup performances could still facilitate the striker’s desired move to England or Spain’s elite clubs.
Nigeria’s next World Cup qualifiers in September present Osimhen with an immediate opportunity to boost both his country’s qualification hopes and his own transfer prospects. The Super Eagles will need maximum points from their upcoming matches to improve their qualification chances.
About the author
GehGeh criticises Peller’s marriage to Jarvis says money isn’t everything
Social media personality Ojaigho Prosper, widely known as GehGeh, has criticised TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, popularly called Peller, over his decision to marry Elizabeth Aminata, also known as Jarvis, despite acknowledging Peller’s financial success. GehGeh reacted via his X (Twitter) account on Sunday, questioning whether financial stability alone should be enough reason to enter marriage. He argued that other important factors such as mental, physical, emotional and spiritual readiness must be considered before making such a commitment. He wrote, “Y’all are justifying his act with ‘he has the money, allow him’. But y’all failed to ask yourself if he’s ready mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.” He then added, “Everything isn’t all about the money.” GehGeh also expressed disappointment that Peller went ahead with the marriage plans despite his advice, saying Peller is still young and has more personal growth ahead. […]
Five highly anticipated 2026 World Cup matches that disappointed fans
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been praised for its exciting moments and viral fan experiences, but at least five matches that fans expected to be thrilling instead delivered disappointing results. One of the biggest disappointments was Spain’s goalless draw against underdog Cape Verde, a team ranked 65 places below Spain. Spain was one of the top favorites for the tournament, and many fans expected a high-scoring victory, but the match ended 0–0 in a lacklustre performance. Cristiano Ronaldo’s largely inconspicuous performance in DR Congo’s 1–1 draw with Portugal also left many viewers wondering whether he is past his prime. Despite high hopes for Ronaldo’s influence, he struggled to make a major impact as DR Congo scored its first-ever World Cup goal through Yoane Wissa. Mexico’s match against South Korea, which was expected to be a key battle for the […]
Europe closes schools, cancels trains as heatwave set to intensify
European countries have closed hundreds of schools and cancelled or reduced train services as a severe heatwave set to intensify continues to grip the region. In France, authorities closed 845 schools on Monday, with another 1,800 schools allowing students to leave earlier than usual amid temperatures expected to peak between 40°C and 41°C in many regions. Currently, 49 of the 96 mainland departments are under a red weather alert, an increase from 35 just days ago. The national railway operator SNCF cancelled 71 long‑distance train services since Wednesday, citing risks of air‑conditioning failures and track damage from extreme heat. Both France and Belgium have reduced rail services, particularly affecting commuter lines in and around Paris. Belgium's national railway operator SNCB declared that some peak‑hour trains would be cancelled on Monday and Tuesday to minimize the risk of breakdowns obstructing the […]
Court remands Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre over cybercrime charge
Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory. Justice Mohammed Umar of the court ruled that Sowore should remain in custody until Wednesday, when proceedings will resume on a two-count cybercrime charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges centre on a social media post in which Sowore called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal”. The case has attracted public attention because of Sowore’s prominence as a long‑time human rights activist, former presidential candidate, and publisher of Saharareporters. His arrest and remand have also raised concerns about freedom of expression and the use of cyberspace laws against critics of the government. Sowore was previously remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre in 2021 over a similar social media […]
Troops kill two bandits, arrest four suspects in Kaduna
Troops operating in Kaduna State have killed two suspected bandits and arrested four others during a series of recent operations targeting criminal gangs in the state. The operations were carried out in identified flashpoints where bandits have been attacking rural communities and highways. In one of the operations, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted an attempted attack through a swift ambush in the Maraban Rido general area, neutralising at least one armed suspect and forcing others to flee. In a separate, intelligence‑led raid, security operatives also arrested four suspected bandits in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspects, identified as Abdumumini Abubakar, 40, Maikano Gambo, 47, Saleh Thompson, 47, and Oyonyi Odango, 40, were apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad on March 7, 2026. During the arrest, the team recovered a […]
Retirement bombshell: Five DCGs to lead 1,516 officers out of Customs
The Nigeria Customs Service is set for a major shake-up as 1,516 officers are scheduled to leave the service over the next two years under statutory retirement. According to internal circulars issued by the service, five Deputy Comptroller-Generals will lead the exit, alongside dozens of senior officers across various commands and units nationwide. The retirement lists cover 825 officers due to leave in 2026 and another 691 in 2027. The notices, signed on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development, direct affected officers to begin preparations for their exit from active service. Those marked for retirement include Deputy Comptroller-Generals, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, Comptrollers, Deputy Comptrollers, Assistant Comptrollers, Chief Superintendents, and other senior ranks. A breakdown of an earlier circular shows that the five Deputy Comptroller-Generals listed for retirement include GM Omale, CK Niagwan, KI Adeola, S. […]
Related
Five highly anticipated 2026 World Cup matches that disappointed fans
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been praised for its exciting moments and viral fan experiences, but at least five matches that fans expected to be thrilling instead delivered disappointing results. One of the biggest disappointments was Spain’s goalless draw against underdog Cape Verde, a team ranked 65 places below Spain. Spain was one of the top favorites for the tournament, and many fans expected a high-scoring victory, but the match ended 0–0 in a lacklustre performance. Cristiano Ronaldo’s largely inconspicuous performance in DR Congo’s 1–1 draw with Portugal also left many viewers wondering whether he is past his prime. Despite high hopes for Ronaldo’s influence, he struggled to make a major impact as DR Congo scored its first-ever World Cup goal through Yoane Wissa. Mexico’s match against South Korea, which was expected to be a key battle for the […]
Court remands Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre over cybercrime charge
Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory. Justice Mohammed Umar of the court ruled that Sowore should remain in custody until Wednesday, when proceedings will resume on a two-count cybercrime charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges centre on a social media post in which Sowore called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal”. The case has attracted public attention because of Sowore’s prominence as a long‑time human rights activist, former presidential candidate, and publisher of Saharareporters. His arrest and remand have also raised concerns about freedom of expression and the use of cyberspace laws against critics of the government. Sowore was previously remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre in 2021 over a similar social media […]
Troops kill two bandits, arrest four suspects in Kaduna
Troops operating in Kaduna State have killed two suspected bandits and arrested four others during a series of recent operations targeting criminal gangs in the state. The operations were carried out in identified flashpoints where bandits have been attacking rural communities and highways. In one of the operations, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted an attempted attack through a swift ambush in the Maraban Rido general area, neutralising at least one armed suspect and forcing others to flee. In a separate, intelligence‑led raid, security operatives also arrested four suspected bandits in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspects, identified as Abdumumini Abubakar, 40, Maikano Gambo, 47, Saleh Thompson, 47, and Oyonyi Odango, 40, were apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad on March 7, 2026. During the arrest, the team recovered a […]
Retirement bombshell: Five DCGs to lead 1,516 officers out of Customs
The Nigeria Customs Service is set for a major shake-up as 1,516 officers are scheduled to leave the service over the next two years under statutory retirement. According to internal circulars issued by the service, five Deputy Comptroller-Generals will lead the exit, alongside dozens of senior officers across various commands and units nationwide. The retirement lists cover 825 officers due to leave in 2026 and another 691 in 2027. The notices, signed on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development, direct affected officers to begin preparations for their exit from active service. Those marked for retirement include Deputy Comptroller-Generals, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, Comptrollers, Deputy Comptrollers, Assistant Comptrollers, Chief Superintendents, and other senior ranks. A breakdown of an earlier circular shows that the five Deputy Comptroller-Generals listed for retirement include GM Omale, CK Niagwan, KI Adeola, S. […]
Three teams knocked out of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Tunisia, Haiti, and Türkiye are the first three teams to face elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after early group stage defeats. Tunisia became the latest team knocked out after a heavy 4-0 loss to Japan in Monterrey on Sunday. The Carthage Eagles had already lost 5-1 to Sweden in their opening Group F match, leaving them with zero points from two games and no chance to reach the Round of 32. With only three points still available from their final match, elimination was confirmed. Haiti became the first team officially eliminated after losing both opening matches. A 3-0 loss to Brazil followed an earlier defeat to Scotland, leaving them at the bottom of Group C with zero points and a goal difference of -4. Their final game against Morocco on June 24 is now irrelevant. Türkiye's tournament ended […]
NDLEA arrests two grandfathers selling drugs to students in Abia
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two elderly men, aged 84 and 75, for allegedly selling illicit drugs to secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State. The two men, described as grandfathers, were identified as Pa John Ofiel, 84, and another elderly suspect, 75 years old. They were arrested following credible intelligence that they were involved in drug peddling targeting students in the area. According to reports, the suspects were supplying drugs to secondary school students, raising serious concerns about the exposure of young people to illegal substances and the involvement of elderly individuals in such criminal activities. NDLEA operatives have been conducting raids across the country to crack down on drug trafficking networks. The arrests come as part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trade that has resulted in the seizure of skunk and other narcotic […]