Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Napoli in Italy’s Serie A and the Nigeria national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, known for his speed, strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing.

Early Life

● Full Name: Victor James Osimhen
● Date of Birth: December 29, 1998
● Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
● Background: Osimhen grew up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, where he faced numerous challenges, including selling sachet water (pure water) on the streets to support his family. Despite these hardships, he pursued his passion for football.

Football Career

Early Career

● Osimhen began his football journey with Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos.
● In 2015, he led Nigeria to victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring 10 goals and winning the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards. His performance attracted the attention of top European clubs.

Move to Europe

● In 2017, Osimhen signed with VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga. However, injuries and limited playing time hindered his progress at the club.
● He was loaned to Royal Charleroi in Belgium for the 2018–2019 season, where he rediscovered his form, scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances.

Lille (2019–2020)

● Osimhen joined Lille OSC in France for the 2019–2020 season. He had a breakout season, scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
● His performances earned him the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, awarded to the best African player in Ligue 1.

Napoli (2020–Present)

● In September 2020, Osimhen signed with SSC Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million, making him the most expensive African transfer at the time.
● At Napoli, he has established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Serie A. In the 2022–2023 season, he played a pivotal role in helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years, scoring 26 league goals and winning the Capocannoniere (Serie A top scorer award).
● Currently on loan to Galatasaray. He is their leading goal scorer at the moment.

International Career

● Osimhen made his debut for the Nigeria national team in 2017 and has since become a key player for the Super Eagles.
● He represented Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2023 AFCON, where he was one of the standout performers.
● As of 2023, he is Nigeria’s leading striker and a fan favorite.

Playing Style

● Osimhen is known for his:
○ Pace and agility
○ Aerial ability
○ Clinical finishing
○ Work rate and determination
○ Positioning
● His ability to press defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates makes him a complete modern striker.

Awards and Achievements

● FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot (2015)
● FIFA U-17 World Cup Silver Ball (2015)
● Prix Marc-Vivien Foé (2020)
● Serie A Top Scorer (Capocannoniere) (2022–2023)
● Serie A Champion (2022–2023)
● CAF Africa Best XI (2022, 2023)
● Serie A Best Striker (2022–2023)

Personal Life

● Osimhen is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He often speaks about his difficult upbringing and how it motivates him to succeed.
● He is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting underprivileged children in Nigeria through his foundation, the Victor Osimhen Foundation.
● In 2023, he was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Next Most Influential People.

Recent Highlights

● Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli’s historic Serie A title win in the 2022–2023 season, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances.
● He was named the Best Striker in Serie A for the 2022–2023 season.
● He continues to be a key player for the Nigerian national team, leading the attack in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers and beyond.
● He was last year’s African player of the year
● He is currently on loan to Galatasaray from Napoli and he has many european giant teams watching him closely to sign a deal with him.

Legacy

Victor Osimhen is already considered one of the greatest African strikers of his generation. His rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most sought-after players in world football is an inspiration to many. At just 24 years old (as of 2023), he still has a bright future ahead and is expected to achieve even greater heights in his career.