7 Things You Did Not Know About Victor Osimhen

The Nigerian forward took Serie A by storm with Napoli, impressing fans and critics with his pace, strength, and eye for goal, before moving to Turkey on loan with Galatasaray, where he led Cimbom to the league and domestic cup double. He broke the record for the highest number of goals scored in a season by a foreign player. 

Here are 7 things you probably did not know about Victor Osimhen, covering everything from his humble beginnings to the lesser-known details that shaped the man behind the goals.

Osimhen’s journey to football stardom is remarkable, as he came from humble beginnings and had to hustle on the streets of Lagos. As a young boy, Victor helped his family make ends meet by selling sachet water, oranges, and other small goods in traffic.

Life was tough after the death of his mother, and with his father struggling to support the family, Osimhen had to grow up fast. He’s spoken openly about how those experiences taught him resilience and built the hunger that drives him to this day. It is this background that makes his rise to the top even more inspiring.

Victor Osimhen's path to professional football started in the most unexpected way. He was playing in a local grassroots tournament in Lagos when he caught the eye of Emmanuel Amuneke, a former Nigeria international and youth coach.

Amuneke immediately recognised his talent and invited him to join the Nigeria U17 squad preparing for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. That opportunity changed everything, as Osimhen not only made the team but also went on to finish as the tournament’s top scorer and helped Nigeria lift the trophy.

After his U17 heroics, Osimhen made the move to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. But things did not go as planned. He struggled with injuries, lack of game time, and cultural adjustment. It was a rough patch that almost derailed his promising career.

Between 2016 and 2019, he made just 16 appearances and failed to score a single goal. Many began to doubt whether he would live up to his early potential, but Osimhen did not give up. Instead, he regrouped and went on loan to Charleroi in Belgium where he rediscovered his touch, scoring 20 goals in one season to reignite his career and prove to everyone that he had what it takes.

While many fans know Osimhen is quick, not everyone realises just how fast he is. In 2022, Serie A released its player speed stats, and Osimhen was consistently clocking speeds of over 34 km/h, making him one of the top five fastest players in the entire league.

Whether it is racing past defenders on the counter or making sharp runs behind the back line, his speed gives him a real edge. Combined with his physical strength, it makes him a nightmare to defend against.

Victor Osimhen has never hidden his admiration for Didier Drogba, calling the Chelsea legend his football idol on numerous occasions. Growing up, Osimhen watched Drogba’s matches religiously and modelled many aspects of his game after him, from movement to mentality.

Like Drogba, Osimhen plays with power and purpose. He also shares that same ability to lead the line, score in big moments, and lift the team when it matters most. 

In interviews, Osimhen often talks about one day inspiring young Africans the way Drogba inspired him.

Before his big move to Napoli in 2020, Osimhen had several clubs chasing him, including Manchester United. But interestingly, he turned down a chance to join the Premier League giants earlier in his career.

Back in 2016, after his standout U17 World Cup, he was approached by United, Arsenal and other top clubs. But Osimhen chose to go to Wolfsburg instead because he felt he was not ready yet for such a big stage and wanted a pathway with more opportunities to grow.

Despite becoming a superstar, Victor Osimhen has never forgotten where he came from. He regularly gives back to his community in Lagos and supports several causes quietly behind the scenes. From paying school fees for kids to donating to local football academies, he is passionate about uplifting those around him.

In 2023, he revealed plans to build a sports complex in Nigeria to help nurture future talents. His goal is to create opportunities for kids who come from similar struggles, to give them a shot, just like he had when Emmanuel Amuneke spotted him.

Off the pitch, Osimhen is humble, grounded, and proud of his Nigerian identity. He often celebrates goals with gestures that honour his upbringing, and he remains a fan favourite not just because of his talent, but his character.