Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that one of his biggest ambitions away from football is to return to the classroom and earn a university degree, admitting that dropping out of school remains one of the biggest sacrifices he made in pursuit of his dream.
The Galatasaray forward said education still holds great importance to him despite rising from the streets of Lagos to become one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
Speaking about life beyond football, Osimhen stressed that a playing career is temporary and believes preparing for the future is just as important as succeeding on the pitch.
“I’d love to go back to school and earn a degree because football only lasts 20–25 years,” Osimhen said.
“I already have investments, but I want to prove you can drop out, become successful, and still return to school to finish your education.”
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Osimhen’s journey to stardom began in the Olusosun area of Lagos, where his family faced severe financial hardship.
He revealed that his sisters worked tirelessly to keep him in school, but the family’s situation eventually forced him into a painful decision.
The 27-year-old dropped out during his final year of secondary school (SSS 3), choosing to dedicate himself entirely to football in the hope of lifting his family out of poverty.
The decision ultimately transformed his life, taking him from grassroots football in Nigeria to Europe, where he has starred for clubs in Germany, Belgium, France, Italy and now Turkey.
However, Osimhen insists his story should not be viewed as a blueprint for young people.
He described his own experience as a rare “make or break” gamble and warned aspiring footballers against abandoning their education in pursuit of professional careers.
A message to the next generation
The Super Eagles striker has consistently encouraged young players to combine football with education.
During a previous visit to Beyond Limits Football Academy, Osimhen urged academy prospects to remain committed to their studies, reminding them that only a small percentage of young footballers eventually become professionals.
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He stressed that education provides opportunities beyond sport and equips young people for life after football and for Osimhen, completing his education would not only fulfil a personal ambition but also demonstrate that learning has no age limit even for one of Africa’s biggest football stars.
