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Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has denied having any personal issues with Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, insisting that he has always admired and supported the Nigerian forward.
Oliseh explained that his comments about the standard of the Turkish Super Lig were misunderstood and were not intended to undermine Osimhen.
The former Nigeria captain maintained that football leagues should be assessed based on their level of competition, arguing that second-division football cannot be compared with top-flight leagues.
When asked whether the Turkish Super Lig ranks among Europe’s best leagues, Oliseh suggested that the question was an attempt to portray him as someone who dislikes Osimhen.
He also revealed that he had considered inviting Osimhen to the Super Eagles during his time as coach, following the striker’s impressive performance at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which Nigeria won.
“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 wanted to introduce the young striker to the senior national team and give him an opportunity to compete for a place in the squad.
Reaffirming his position, he said in Pidgin English, “How I go get beef with somebody wey I no know?”
He insisted that he has no personal disagreement with Osimhen and remains supportive of Nigerian players succeeding at the highest level.
The clarification comes amid ongoing debate over the competitiveness of the Turkish Super Lig compared with other major European leagues, fuelled by Osimhen’s performances for Galatasaray.