Football Won’t Last Forever, I’ll Go Back to School — Osimhen

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed plans to return to school and earn a university degree, saying he is determined to prepare for life after football despite his successful professional career.

The Galatasaray forward made the disclosure in an interview with Instablog, which resurfaced on Monday, where he reflected on education, personal growth and the importance of planning beyond football.

Osimhen said while life has taught him valuable lessons outside the classroom, he still considers formal education an important goal.

“As an adult, not everything I learned in school. There are some kinds of life lessons you encounter through life’s journey,” he said.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year noted that a football career is temporary and should not be viewed as a lifelong occupation.

“So for me, it will be an amazing thing to also try to get a degree, which I’m still considering because football is not something you will play for so long, probably 20 or 25 years, and then you’re done,” he said.

According to the Super Eagles forward, returning to school would also serve as an inspiration to young people who abandoned their education because of financial difficulties or other challenges.

He explained that education remains accessible regardless of age or circumstances.

“For me, it’s to set a standard, to set an example to the younger generation that even though you dropped out due to some kind of challenges, you can always go back to school because the school is always there,” he added.

Osimhen’s remarks have drawn attention because of his own journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.

Born in Edo State, he announced himself on the global stage after finishing as the top scorer at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, helping Nigeria win the tournament.

He later featured for VfL Wolfsburg, Charleroi, Lille and Napoli before moving to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

Earlier this year, Osimhen also encouraged young footballers at Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ogun State not to neglect their education. During the visit, he donated ₦10 million to support the academy and urged players to prepare for opportunities beyond their playing careers.