Victor Osimhen’s incredible rise from selling water on the streets of Lagos to becoming one of the most sought-after strikers in the world is a testament to his determination and hard work. The 24-year-old has been in sensational form for Napoli this season, scoring 19 goals in just 21 games and helping his side build a commanding 15-point lead at the top of Serie A.
Despite interest from Manchester United, it is believed that Arsenal are now leading the race for Osimhen’s signature. However, Napoli will reportedly demand a staggering £133million for the Nigerian, with Chelsea also said to be in the running for his services.
For Osimhen, the journey to the top has been far from easy. He lost his mother at a young age and was forced to work alongside his siblings to make ends meet after his father lost his job shortly after. In an interview with France Football in 2019, Osimhen spoke about growing up in difficult circumstances.
“Where I grew up, people live on the other side of an open dump,” he said. “With my friends, we went there every Friday or Sunday to find shoes. We stayed there a long time. It was funny! We saw it as a game but when you think about it … It was always a fight.”
“Sometimes you see, you found yourself with a Nike on the right foot and then you start looking for the other foot … And finally, you find the left foot and it’s a Reebok! My sister patched everything up and it was good. It was survival.”
Despite the challenges he faced, Osimhen never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He worked tirelessly to improve his skills and eventually caught the attention of scouts from Wolfsburg, who signed him in 2017.
“When I signed in Wolfsburg, I didn’t buy anything for myself with my bonus,” he said. “I immediately bought a house in Lagos for my father. I gave money to my brothers and sisters, and today, everyone is okay in their businesses. It makes me happy to know that they have enough to eat. They always help me and it is normal I want to change their lives.”
Osimhen’s talent and work ethic have not gone unnoticed, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs vying for his signature. However, Napoli will not let him go easily, and it remains to be seen where he will end up next.
Regardless of where he goes, Osimhen’s story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity in their lives. His determination and resilience are a testament to the power of hard work and self-belief, and he serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication.