By Seyi Babalola
Victor Osimhen’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the peak of European football exemplifies his tenacity, talent, and unshakeable dedication.
His career trajectory demonstrates a sequence of hurdles overcome and milestones reached, cementing his status as one of the most formidable strikers in the contemporary game.
Early Life and background
Victor James Osimhen was born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in Olusosun, a rough neighbourhood in Lagos, where he encountered numerous challenges.
Despite the difficulties, his passion for football was clear from an early age. His rise to fame began on the streets of Lagos, where he played barefoot with his pals and dreamed of reaching the top.
Osimhen’s football career became more regimented once he joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy, a local football academy in Lagos. Scouts instantly saw his talent, and in 2015, he was chosen to represent Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Breakthrough
Osimhen’s breakthrough came at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
He finished the tournament as Nigeria’s leading scorer, with ten goals in seven games.
His outstanding performance earned him not only the Golden Boot but also the Silver Ball, which recognised him as the tournament’s second-best player.
This achievement catapulted him into the international spotlight, generating interest from various European clubs.
His performances at the World Cup caught the attention of European clubs, and he was soon snapped up by VfL Wolfsburg, a German Bundesliga club, in 2017.
European path
In January 2017, Osimhen signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg.
However, his period in Germany was hampered by injuries and adaptation issues.
Over two seasons, he played 14 league games but failed to score. In search of greater playing time and a platform to exhibit his potential, he signed on loan with Belgian club Charleroi for the 2018-2019 season.
In Charleroi, Osimhen rediscovered his form, scoring 20 goals in 36 games, establishing himself as a devastating attacker.
His achievements drew interest from larger European clubs, resulting in a move to Lille OSC in France.
Transfer to Lille OSC
Osimhen joined Lille OSC in the summer of 2019 and made an immediate impression.
He scored 18 goals in 38 appearances in his debut season, including crucial goals in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League.
His remarkable exploits earned him Ligue 1’s Best African Player of the Year honours.
It wasn’t long before Napoli came calling, and he became Africa’s most expensive footballer in July 2020, signing for €70 million (possibly rising to €80 million with bonuses).
Napoli move
At Napoli, Osimhen elevated his game to another level. Despite injuries during his debut season, he demonstrated his skill by scoring crucial goals.
However, it was during the 2022-2023 season that he truly established himself as one of the world’s top attackers.
Historic 2022–2023 season
Osimhen was instrumental in helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years (since the Diego Maradona era in 1990).
He scored 26 goals in Serie A, winning the Capocannoniere (top scorer) award and became the first African player to win the Serie A Golden Boot.
Most remarkably, Osimhen broke George Weah’s record to become the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history.
His achievements made him a fan favourite and a sought-after striker in European football.
Galatasaray
Despite Osimhen’s achievements, the next season presented obstacles.
Following a series of issues with Napoli’s management and the signing of Romelu Lukaku, Osimhen was sidelined.
In September 2024, seeking regular playing time, he signed a season-long loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Osimhen’s impact on the Süper Lig was instant. He rapidly became a fan favourite, demonstrating his goal-scoring abilities.
His collaboration with teammates Mauro Icardi and Dries Mertens expanded Galatasaray’s attacking options.
Osimhen’s performances in European competitions emphasised his importance to the team.
International duty
Osimhen has been an important player for the Nigerian national team (Super Eagles) since making his debut in 2017. Some key moments include:
2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers – Top scorer in Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
2023 AFCON – Played a key role in helping Nigeria qualify for the tournament.
He is expected to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s quest for success in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.