Where Victor Osimhen plays, hope follows for Nigeria. The 27-year-old striker has become the beating heart of the Super Eagles, guiding them to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 in Morocco with an impeccable record of five wins from five games.
Joint second in the tournament’s top scorers list with four goals—level with Mohamed Salah and trailing only Morocco’s Brahim Diaz—Osimhen has been central to Nigeria’s impressive run. But his journey to becoming Nigeria’s footballing leader has not been without its challenges.
A Fiery Spirit on and off the Pitch
Osimhen’s determination has occasionally sparked controversy. During Nigeria’s 4-0 last-16 win over Mozambique, he clashed with teammate Ademola Lookman after a missed pass in a goal-scoring opportunity. Reports even suggested Osimhen threatened to quit the camp, though Nigeria have denied this.
He signalled manager Eric Chelle to make a substitution, leaving immediately for the tunnel after the final whistle instead of joining the celebrations.
“It doesn’t matter if I equal the record or surpass it. I think Mr Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced,” Osimhen said.
“I’m just doing my best. Of course, it’s amazing to be part of Nigeria’s history. My focus is to win something important for my country, and I’m on that path with my teammates.”
People who know him well insist his will to win is part of what makes him such a feared striker, and any accusations of selfishness are far from the truth.
From Humble Beginnings to Super Eagles Star
Born in Lagos, Osimhen endured an extraordinarily tough childhood. After losing both parents, he sold water in traffic to support himself, his brother, and sister.
Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong highlighted how these hardships shaped Osimhen’s hunger and determination:
“He had to fend for himself from a young age. That real hunger and hustle make him the first in the box for goals. Even in hotel buffets, he’s elbowing his way in. That drive makes him a true leader on and off the pitch.”
His competitive spirit has helped him thrive at the international level, where he sits on 35 goals in 50 games, just two shy of Rashidi Yekini’s 37, making him one of Nigeria’s all-time top scorers.
Leadership and Respect in the Squad
Osimhen’s teammates see him as more than just a goalscorer. According to journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, he is the “undisputed leader” of the Super Eagles:
“He may not wear the armband, but they see him as a leader—everything goes through him. When he’s not there, Nigeria seems to crumble. He has been earmarked for success since his under-17 days.”
Troost-Ekong adds that Osimhen’s focus is first on winning AFCON, before chasing personal records:
“All of us would love to be etched into history. Yekini is legendary, and Victor wants to respect that while still creating his own legacy. He has many more goals to come and will inspire the next generation.”
A Title-Winning Club Career
Osimhen’s club career mirrors his international success. He first rose to prominence in Europe with Lille, scoring 18 goals in the 2019-20 season, before moving to Napoli for a club-record fee.
In Italy, he became one of the world’s most feared forwards, scoring 26 goals in 2022-23 to help Napoli lift their first Serie A title in 33 years. He also surpassed George Weah as the highest-scoring African in Serie A history, with 47 goals.
After leaving Naples in 2023, Osimhen moved to Galatasaray, initially on loan. He immediately flourished, netting 26 goals in 30 games to secure the Turkish league and cup double, and has now been made a permanent signing. This season, he has already scored six goals in 12 matches, continuing his remarkable scoring form.
Osimhen’s Place in Nigerian Football History
With his AFCON record within reach and his club success across Europe and Turkey, Victor Osimhen is widely regarded as the new king of Nigerian football. His combination of resilience, hunger, and leadership has made him a role model for young players, while his on-field performances inspire belief in fans across the nation.
Whether he equals or surpasses Rashidi Yekini’s record, Osimhen has already cemented his legacy as one of Nigeria’s all-time greats, a symbol of hope, and a leader capable of carrying the Super Eagles to continental glory.
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