Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Victor Osimhen’s rise to fame is one that has inspired a lot of people in Nigeria and beyond. The striker recently helped the Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON final, where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday.
The victory is a third continental title for the Ivorians after previous successes in 1992 and 2015.
Osimhen’s rapid rise over the years have been due to the striker’s constant push to be better. His knack for improving his football skills and abilities has seen his hard work pay.
Football career journey
The striker was born on December 29, 1998 and lived his early years at Olusosun, Lagos state.
Osimhen attracted the interest of scouts while playing for the Ultimate Strikers Academy, Lagos. His commendable performances led to several opportunities to showcase his talent on bigger stages.
It was at a trial to join the U-17 national team that he caught the attention of the team’s head coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
His first big announcement to the world of football was at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. Osimhen scored a record 10 goals as the Golden Eaglets secured a fifth title.
The striker’s pace, strength, perfect hold-up play alongside his finishing ability distinguished him. He attracted a lot of offers from Europe and eventually journeyed to Wolfsburg and later shone at Sporting Chaleroi.
Osimhen became the club’s top scorer in Bundesliga history when he scored 20 league goals in 36 appearances in 2019 before departing to Lille.
At Lille, Osimhen scored banger goals and was the club’s most important player before leaving. He joined Italian giants Napoli in 2020 and has already led the club to the Scudetto.
ALSO READ: Emerse Fae: The mastermind behind Ivory Coastās unbelievable journey to AFCON success
From selling ‘pure water’ and cleaning gutter to Africa and world stardom
Behind these interesting rides is a young man who thrived and survived challenging situations while growing up.
The now 25-year-old Napoli forward was crowned the 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year. He became the first Nigerian since Kanu Nwankwo (in 1999) to win Africa’s number one prize.
Osimhen beat Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi and Egypt winger Mohammed Salah to the award.
“I was cleaning gutter for 20 naira”
During an interview with fellow Super Eagles teammate William Troost-Ekong in 2021, the defender described Osimhen as a “boy who’s been working unbelievably hard.”
Osimhen said his club record transfer to Napoli was “like a dreamā¦ boyhood dream from the slum.”
Speaking about his background, Osimhen said, “where I grew up, nothing is promised. Whatsoever you want to get, you have to work so hard for it.
“I remember when I was growing up, I was cleaning the gutter for 20 naira for my landlord. I did some mini jobs for my neighbours to fetch water for them for 80 naira, I think.
“And I found pleasure in doing these things because I believed when I work hard to get this money, it’s so important for me.
“I’m also cautious of how I spend this money and I help my family with it.”
Victor Osimhen said his siblings were also involved in the hustle of life while growing up.
ALSO READ: Ivory Coast wins 2023 AFCON tournament
“While growing up, my brother was selling newspapers, my sister, oranges and I will be in the traffic with water and I had to chase the cars.
Osimhen, who, in 2023, led Napoli to their first league title in 33 years, said he believed that the struggles he experienced have really helped him in life.
He said, “what I’ve been through have really shaped me into the man I am today.”
The piece examines the lessons of resilience and determination that Osimhen’s journey offers to aspiring athletes and individuals facing adversity.
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