Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has dismissed suggestions that he dislikes Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, insisting that he has always supported the Nigerian international.
Oliseh said his comments about the quality of the Turkish Super Lig were not intended to undermine Osimhen, explaining that some people had misinterpreted his position.
The former Nigeria captain maintained that football leagues should be assessed according to their competitive levels, arguing that second-division football cannot be compared with top-flight competitions.
“You can’t compare second division anywhere with the first division. Why do you think it’s called the first division? It’s called the first division because that is where the highest level of football is played,” Oliseh said.
When asked whether the Turkish top flight should be regarded as one of Europe’s leading leagues, Oliseh suggested that the question was intended to create the impression that he had something against Osimhen.
He, however, revealed that he had considered inviting the striker to the Super Eagles during his time as Nigeria’s head coach.
According to Oliseh, Osimhen was shortlisted for a call-up after winning the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Nigeria in 2015.
“Let me reveal something to you. Ask the NFF. When I was coaching the Super Eagles, Osimhen was supposed to have been invited. I’ve always liked this guy,” he said.
Oliseh explained that he had planned to bring the young striker into the senior national team setup, initially giving him the opportunity to train and compete for a place in the squad.
He stressed that his support for Osimhen predated the striker’s rise to prominence in European football.
“I’m not defending myself, but I’m just trying to explain because they’re always trying to put this as if you don’t like him.”
He added in Pidgin English, “How I go get beef with somebody wey I no know?”
The former midfielder added that he had no personal issues with the Galatasaray forward and would always support players who represent Nigeria successfully.
Oliseh’s comments come amid discussions about the strength of the Turkish Super Lig compared with Europe’s other major leagues, a debate that has drawn attention because of Osimhen’s performances for Galatasaray.