Victor Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. He is considered one of the best strikers in the world, and is known for his elite finishing, pace, strength, and athleticism.
Osimhen was awarded the prestigious title on December 11, 2023, becoming the first Nigerian to win the award since Kanu Nwakwo in 1999.
Osimhen also finished the season as the top scorer in Serie A, with 26 goals in 34 appearances. This was a remarkable achievement for a young player in his second season at Napoli.
Early Life
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 29, 1998, Osimhen’s early life was far from easy.
Osimhen is the youngest of seven siblings, and his family faced financial difficulties. He spent his childhood in the Olusosun area of Lagos, known for its challenges and poverty.
To contribute to the family’s income, Osimhen sold sachet water on the bustling streets of Lagos. This experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination to overcome adversity.
Despite the hardships, football was a constant source of joy and hope for Osimhen. He honed his skills playing on dusty streets and local pitches, showcasing his natural talent and athleticism.
Age
Victor Osimhen is 24 years old. He was born on December 29, 1998.
State of Origin
While Victor Osimhen was born in Lagos, Nigeria, his state of origin is Edo State. This is because his parents hail from Edo State, even though he was born and raised in Lagos.
Education
Victor Osimhen attended Olusosun Primary School, where he was first spotted by scouts from the Ultimate Strikers Academy.
Joining Ultimate Strikers in 2010, Osimhen received proper training and exposure, further developing his skills and playing against talented youngsters.
Osimhen started attending Oregun Secondary School but eventually left to pursue his football career full-time, against his father’s initial wishes.
Career
Victor Osimhen’s talent caught the eye of national selectors, and he became a key player for the Nigerian U-17 team that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015. His impressive performance, including scoring the winning goal in the final, catapulted him onto the international stage.
Osimhen’s success at the U-17 World Cup opened doors to professional opportunities. He played for various clubs in Nigeria and Europe before joining Serie A club Napoli in 2020.
At Napoli, Osimhen has blossomed into a world-class striker, winning the Serie A top scorer award in 2023 and becoming the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award since 1999.
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Awards and Achievements
Victor Osimhen’s career has been packed with awards and achievements, both individual and collective. Here’s a comprehensive look:
Individual Awards:
- African Footballer of the Year (2023): The most prestigious individual accolade for an African player, awarded on December 11, 2023.
- Serie A Top Scorer (2022-2023): Osimhen finished the season with 26 goals in 34 appearances, leading the scoring charts in the Italian league.
- Serie A Best Young Player (2021-2022): Recognizing his exceptional talent and potential in his first full season at Napoli.
- The Future Awards Africa Prize for Sport (2019): Awarded to young, talented Africans making a significant impact in their field.
- AFCON Golden Boot (2019): Scoring five goals in the tournament, Osimhen was the most prolific striker in the Africa Cup of Nations.
- FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball (2015): Awarded to the best player of the tournament, where Osimhen led Nigeria to victory.
- CAF Youth Player of the Year (2015): Recognizing his outstanding performance at the U-17 World Cup.
Collective Achievements:
- Napoli – Serie A Winner (2022-2023): Osimhen played a key role in Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years.
- Napoli – Champions League Qualification (2021-2022): Osimhen’s late-season goals were crucial in securing Napoli’s spot in the prestigious European competition.
- Nigeria – Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations Winner (2015): Adding to his U-17 World Cup triumph, Osimhen contributed to another continental title for Nigeria.
- Nigeria – AFCON Runner-Up (2019): Osimhen’s five goals helped Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Football Club
Currently, Victor Osimhen plays for SSC Napoli, a prestigious football club in the Italian top division, Serie A. He joined Napoli in September 2020 for a club-record fee of €70 million and has established himself as a key player for the team.
Personal Life
Victor Osimhen keeps his personal life relatively private, but here’s what we know:
Family:
- Osimhen is the youngest of seven siblings, born to parents who hail from Edo State, Nigeria.
- He lost his mother when he was young, which had a significant impact on him.
- He has a daughter, Haly, who was born in October 2022.
Girlfriend
Osimhen is currently dating a German lady named Stefanie Kim Ladewig. They reportedly met during his time playing for Wolfsburg in Germany.
Social Media
Victor Osimhen is quite active on social media, primarily on Instagram and Twitter. Here are his official handles:
- Instagram: @victorosimhen9
- Twitter: @victorosimhen9
Net Worth
Victor Osimhen’s net worth is estimated to be at $14 million.
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