Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen's inspiring journey from adversity on Lagos streets to record-breaking football star for Napoli.
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| Victor Osimhen: The unstoppable striker who conquered adversity to reach the pinnacle of football. |
The incredible journey of Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen, from the streets of Lagos to being crowned the Prince of Naples, is a testament to his determination, hard work, and unwavering passion for the sport.
Osimhen's perseverance and drive have led him to become one of the best strikers in world football today.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Victor Osimhen faced adversity from a young age.
At just 13, he lost his mother, and soon after, his father lost his job.
The family had to move into a single-room apartment, and Osimhen, the youngest of seven siblings, took to the streets to sell water to help support his family.
Despite the harsh living conditions, Victor Osimhen never stopped dreaming of becoming a professional footballer.
While his father initially wanted him to pursue a career as a doctor, he eventually supported Victor's dream.
Osimhen began playing street football and joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy, although he never had the opportunity to play for them.
In 2014, at the age of 16, Victor Osimhen participated in the Nigeria Under-17 team screening in Abuja.
Among the numerous players competing for a spot on the team, he was given just 15 minutes to impress the coaches.
In that short time, Osimhen scored two goals, catching the attention of the coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
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| Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Amuneke during the 2015 FIFA U17 World cup. |
Victor Osimhen was eventually selected for the Under-17 World Cup team and went on to win the tournament, the Golden Boot for being the highest goal scorer, and the Silver Shoe award for being the second-best player in 2015.
Congratulations to Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen - adidas Golden Boot winner #U17WC pic.twitter.com/KVJp1dEOP9
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) November 9, 2015
Pursuit of greatness in Europe
His impressive performance caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2017, Osimhen signed with German club Wolfsburg.
However, Victor Osimhen's career in Europe got off to a rocky start. Injuries and setbacks plagued his time at Wolfsburg, and a series of disappointing loan deals followed.
But in a remarkable turn of events, Osimhen was signed by Belgian club Charleroi FC, where he scored 20 goals in 36 appearances.
His performance in Belgium earned him a move to French club Lille, where he continued to impress, scoring 18 goals and becoming a fan favourite.
In a blockbuster transfer, Italian giants Napoli signed Victor Osimhen for a reported fee of €70 million (approximately $81 million at the time) from French club Lille in 2020.
This transfer made him one of the most expensive African players in history.
Victor Osimhen did not disappoint, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
He scored a crucial goal in the 52nd minute to level the score after Udinese's Sandi Lovric took a surprise lead.
And breaking Samuel Eto'o's record for most goals scored by an African in a single Serie A season.
Napoli managed to hold on to the point they needed to secure their third Serie A title with five games remaining.
Victor Osimhen has scored more Serie A goals this season than any African player has ever managed in an Italian top-flight campaign.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 4, 2023
He's broken Samuel Eto's record 👏 pic.twitter.com/1VEbkCi3qe
Victor Osimhen's rise to prominence is a remarkable story of overcoming adversity, relentless dedication, and unwavering passion.
Today, he is celebrated not only as a football sensation but also as an inspiration to millions of people who dare to dream big despite their circumstances.
Victor Osimhen 👑. Serie A highest goal scorer. Serie A champion. Napoli Hero. 🇳🇬
— Footballnus (@footballnus) May 4, 2023
📸: @brfootball pic.twitter.com/wWGxJJFxl1
Dear Napolitans, The Scudetto Has Been Delivered!!! Now We Feast!!!!🤍💙🤍💙
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) May 4, 2023
@sscnapoli pic.twitter.com/LVvRzUSeWg
Napoli players celebrating in the dressing room. Scudetto champions pic.twitter.com/dmvkGTXhyj
— Footballnus (@footballnus) May 4, 2023
