Former Liverpool and Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has revealed the players he wishes were participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen making his shortlist.
The global tournament got underway on Thursday, but Osimhen will not be involved after Nigeria failed to secure qualification for the competition.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez highlighted four players he believes would have added quality and excitement to the tournament. Alongside Osimhen, he mentioned Poland’s Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński, as well as Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Benitez singled out Kvaratskhelia as his top choice before expressing admiration for Osimhen, noting that his appreciation extends beyond his connection to Napoli.
“Kvaratskhelia is the first player that comes to mind,” Benitez said. “Osimhen is another, and not only because Napoli means a lot to me. I would also include Zieliński and Lewandowski, who is undoubtedly one of the finest footballers of his generation.”
Osimhen’s absence remains a disappointment for many Nigerian football fans, who had hoped to see the prolific forward compete on the biggest stage in international football.
Galaxy Sports Production
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