Everything you need to know about Napoli's Nigeria talisman Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Napoli and the Nigerian national team. Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen started his football career at the Ultimate Strikers Academy before moving to Europe to play for various clubs.
Osimhen's breakthrough moment came in 2015 when he led the Nigerian U-17 team to victory in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball. This performance caught the attention of various European clubs, and he eventually signed for Wolfsburg in Germany in 2017.
Despite struggling at Wolfsburg, he found his footing during a loan spell at Charleroi in Belgium, scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions. His exploits took him to Lille in 2019 before eventually being snapped up by Napoli in 2020 for €70 million.
Osimhen has also represented the Nigerian national team at various levels, making his debut for the senior team in 2017. He has since established himself as a key player for the Super Eagles, scoring several crucial goals in their qualification campaigns for major tournaments
Osimhen is known for his physical strength, pace, and clinical finishing, which makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders. He is also proficient in the air and possesses excellent dribbling and ball control skills, making him a complete striker.
Here are 13 interesting facts about Osimhen that you absolutely need to know?
Getty ImagesYoungest of six siblings
Born in Lagos on 29th December 1998, Victor was the last of the six children. His parents have their family origin from Southern Nigeria, precisely Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State in Nigeria.
He grew up alongside his brother Andrew and 4 other siblings in Olusosun, asmall community around Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
AdvertisementGod is good
Osimhen has an interesting story behind the meaning of his last name.
In the native Ishan language, his family surname "Osimhen" means "God is good."
From African nursery team to big European club
When he broke out with the youth team, Wolfsburg registered their interest in the striker. Osimhen was transferred from Ultimate Striker Academy, a local club in Lagos, to German club VfL Wolfsburg for $3,970,225 on January 1, 2017.
He was one of the most expensive players to be signed directly from an African nursery team to a big European club, thanks to the transfer fee.
Breakout star at the U17 World Cup in 2015
Osimhen was an integral part of the Nigerian side that won the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile. His 10 goals in seven games at the tournament and his incredible goalscoring record coming into the tournament made heads turn all across the globe.
He finished the tournament as the highest goalscorer, winning the Golden Boot along with the Silver Ball for his standout performances.