Nigerian footballers lack ambition after escaping the trenches – Expert opens up on Osimhen, Lookman saga

A prominent football analyst has sparked controversy by claiming that Nigerian footballers often lose their drive for ambition once they achieve financial stability, pointing to the ongoing transfer indecision surrounding Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

His comments come amid stalled transfer talks for Osimhen, Lookman, two of Nigeria’s brightest stars, and others despite their impressive performances in Europe.

Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, has been linked with moves to clubs like Chelsea and Al Hilal but remains at Napoli, where his high wages and the club’s €75 million valuation have complicated negotiations.

Similarly, Lookman, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, was expected to leave Atalanta after his historic Europa League final hat-trick, with interest from Arsenal, Juventus, and Al Ittihad, yet no deal materialised.

Oluwajoba Ogunwale, managing editor of Pulse Sports Nigeria, aired his views on X, critiquing the perceived lack of ambition among some of Nigeria’s top talents.

Ogunwale posted, “One thing I'd say about Nigerian footballers is that they are not ambitious enough, which is okay. Once they are out of the trenches and making a reasonable amount of money, the ambition ends there.”

Ogunwale’s remarks suggest that financial security may lead some players to prioritise stability over chasing elite opportunities.

Critics argue this overlooks the systemic challenges Nigerian players face, such as high transfer fees and biases in European markets.

Supporters, however, agree that players while they are a product of their society, they could push harder for moves to top-tier clubs to cement their legacies.

As the 2025 transfer window unfolds, the debate intensifies over whether Nigeria’s stars are content with their current status or poised to elevate their careers further.