Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh believes Nigeria’s national team can improve quickly if it builds around Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Afrik-Foot reports.

Oliseh said Nigeria is in a good position because two of its top attackers are competing in the UEFA Champions League.

The former Ajax midfielder pointed out that consistent performances in the Champions League raise the technical level of players and also increase global respect for the country.

Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen — Victor Osimhen celebrates goal with teammate Ademola Lookman. Copyright: Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix/ Icon Sport

“We have two top Nigerian players now doing well in the Champions League. We have Osimhen doing well in the Champions League and we have Lookman doing exceptionally well too,” Oliseh said on his Global Football Insights Podcast.

Osimhen has been in strong form for Galatasaray in this season’s UEFA Champions League. The striker has scored seven goals in the competition, showing his ability to deliver against top European defenders. His movement in the box, aerial strength and pressing from the front have been key parts of his game.

Lookman, meanwhile, has continued his steady rise since moving to Atlético Madrid during the winter transfer window. The former Atalanta forward has scored in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. His versatility, playing wide or centrally, gives his coaches tactical options, and that flexibility could benefit Nigeria as well.

Ademola Lookman during the Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid. Copyright: ImagoxBaguxBlancox/xPRESSINPHOTOx

Osimhen, Lookman key for Super Eagles – Oliseh

Oliseh stressed that Osimhen and Lookman’s successes must now translate into leadership within the Super Eagles squad.

“So these two top players are doing well. All we need now is for these two top players to lead the team and for the others to follow and you will have it,” he said.

According to Oliseh, when key players perform regularly at elite level, they raise standards inside the national team camp. Training intensity improves. Tactical discipline becomes sharper. Younger players also gain confidence from seeing teammates succeed against Europe’s best clubs.

The former Juventus man added that Champions League performances go beyond football matters.

Nigeria and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen — Victor Osimhen. Copyright: IMAGO

“For the Super Eagles to get better, our players need to be doing well in the Champions League. That is the highest level,” Oliseh added.

“Then you get more publicity, more money coming in, more transfers, and people become more interested in your country. That is the holy grail of club football.”

The Super Eagles have endured missed results in recent times. The three-time African champions failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before winning bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.