Former Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has revealed that Victor Osimhen is one of the players he wishes would have featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Nigerian striker will miss this year’s tournament after the Super Eagles failed to secure qualification for the global football showpiece.
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta, Benitez named Osimhen among a select group of talented footballers he would have enjoyed watching on the World Cup stage.
The experienced Spanish manager also mentioned Poland captain Robert Lewandowski, midfielder Piotr Zieliński and Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as players whose presence would have added more excitement to the competition.
Benitez singled out Kvaratskhelia for special praise but stressed that Osimhen also deserved to be among the players fans would have loved to see in action.
The former Napoli coach noted that his admiration for Osimhen goes beyond his connection with the Italian club, highlighting the striker’s quality and impact in modern football.
Osimhen has established himself as one of Africa’s leading forwards in recent years, earning recognition for his goalscoring ability, speed and attacking presence.
Although he will not be participating in the World Cup, the Nigerian international remains one of the most respected strikers in world football and continues to attract attention from fans and top clubs across Europe.