Victor Osimhen’s Parents & Siblings: Inside the struggles, sacrifices, and family journey that shaped the Super Eagles star

Nigeria Super Eagles superstar Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, has captivated the world with his explosive performances on the pitch.

From leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years to becoming a talisman for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Osimhen’s rise to global stardom is a story of grit, talent, and unrelenting determination.

But behind his remarkable achievements lies a deeply moving family narrative marked by hardship, sacrifice, and unwavering support.

This is the story of Osimhen’s parents and siblings, whose struggles and sacrifices in the face of poverty shaped the journey of one of Africa’s greatest footballers.

Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, Victor Osimhen was the youngest of six siblings raised in the challenging environment of Olusosun, a neighborhood notorious for its massive landfill.

The Osimhen family, originally from Esan South East Local Government Area in Edo State, relocated to Lagos seeking better opportunities. However, life in Olusosun was far from promising.

The area, plagued by toxic fumes and heaps of garbage, offered little hope for a prosperous future. Victor himself described it as a place that “does not offer you promises,” where survival demanded resilience, per the Athletic.

Victor’s parents, Elder Patrick Osimhen and Christiana Osimhen, faced immense financial struggles to provide for their seven children.

Patrick, a retired Nigerian soldier, and Christiana, who shared the family’s deep Christian faith, instilled values of perseverance and gratitude in their children despite their circumstances.

Tragically, Christiana passed away when Victor was just five years old, leaving a profound void in the family. Her death was a devastating blow, but it also fueled Victor’s determination to honour her memory through his success.

Patrick, left to raise the children alone, faced further hardship when he lost his job, plunging the family deeper into poverty.

To survive, Victor and his siblings took to the streets of Lagos, hawking sachet water and newspapers to make ends meet.

Victor often scavenged for boots in the Olusosun landfill, playing football with makeshift balls alongside his elder brother Andrew, a local football star in their community.

These early struggles shaped Victor’s tenacity, physicality, and unyielding drive, qualities that would later define his career on the pitch.

Victor’s siblings played a pivotal role in his journey, each contributing to the family’s survival and his eventual rise to stardom.

Andrew Osimhen, the eldest, made perhaps the most profound sacrifice. A budding footballer himself, Andrew abandoned his own dreams to support the family after their father’s job loss.

He took up work as a newspaper vendor and other odd jobs, ensuring his younger siblings, including Victor, had a chance at a better life.

Andrew’s guidance was instrumental in nurturing Victor’s early passion for football, often taking him to watch Chelsea FC matches at local viewing centers.

Victor’s sister Blessing also played a significant role, offering emotional and practical support. In a heartfelt social media post in August 2023, Victor celebrated Blessing’s birthday, sharing throwback photos that highlighted their close bond and her unwavering support during his rise from the streets of Olusosun to global fame.

Blessing once purchased a JAMB examination form for Victor, encouraging him to pursue education, though his heart was set on football. Her sacrifices, along with those of siblings Esther and others, underscored the family’s collective resilience.

However, the family’s unity was not without challenges. In 2022, tensions arose when Victor’s sister Esther and her husband Osita accused him of financial neglect. Andrew and Blessing defended Victor, revealing that he had been the family’s breadwinner, providing millions of naira to support his siblings.

Andrew emphasised Victor’s generosity, noting that he bought a house for their father with his first salary and consistently shared his earnings equally among the family. This public dispute highlighted the pressures Victor faced as the family’s primary provider, yet his commitment to his loved ones remained steadfast.

Elder Patrick Osimhen was a pillar of strength for Victor, encouraging his football dreams despite the family’s hardships. A devout Christian, Patrick’s faith shaped Victor’s own spiritual practices, which include praying and listening to gospel music before matches.

Patrick lived to see the early stages of Victor’s success, including his move to VfL Wolfsburg in 2017 and his breakout season with Lille in 2019–20. However, his death on May 23, 2020, at the age of 80, just before Victor’s transfer to Napoli, was a profound loss.

Victor mourned publicly, writing on Twitter, “R.I.P Dad, no words to describe this feeling.” The Nigeria Football Federation and Lille OSC supported Victor during this time, arranging a private aircraft for his travel to Nigeria for the burial.

Patrick’s sacrifices and belief in Victor’s potential left an indelible mark. His legacy lives on in Victor’s achievements, from his record-breaking 10 goals at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup to his 2023 African Footballer of the Year award.

Victor often reflects on his parents’ influence, dedicating his successes to their memory and expressing gratitude for their role as his “major driving force.”

Victor’s football journey began at Olusosun Primary School, where he honed his skills on local fields, inspired by his brother Andrew and idols like Didier Drogba.

His talent caught the eye of scouts at Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, leading to a life-changing opportunity in 2014. At just 15, Victor traveled 300 miles to Abuja for trials with Nigeria’s U-17 team, squeezed into a car with five others for a 10-hour journey.

Despite initial skepticism from coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor’s two goals in a 15-minute trial earned him a spot on the Golden Eaglets, launching his path to the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball.

From there, Victor’s career soared. After a challenging stint at Wolfsburg, he found his footing at Charleroi and Lille, before making history at Napoli with a club-record €70 million transfer in 2020.

His 26 goals in the 2022–23 season helped Napoli secure the Serie A title, earning him the capocannoniere as the league’s top scorer and the first African to achieve this feat. His loan to Galatasaray in 2024–25 saw him break records as the highest-scoring player in a single Turkish Süper Lig season, cementing his status as a global star.

Victor’s success has transformed the Osimhen family’s fortunes. As the breadwinner, he has provided financial independence for his siblings, fulfilling the dreams his parents held when they moved to Lagos.

His generosity extends beyond his immediate family, during Napoli’s Scudetto celebration, he flew over 20 family members, friends, and his childhood coach to Italy to share in his triumph, a testament to his gratitude and loyalty.

Victor’s story is also one of giving back. Inspired by his parents’ faith and figures like Sadio Mané, he has donated to organisations supporting the elderly in Nigeria and remains committed to his community in Olusosun. His Christian faith, rooted in his upbringing, continues to guide him, as seen in his attendance at church services during visits to Nigeria.

The Osimhen family’s journey from the streets of Olusosun to the pinnacle of world football is a powerful testament to resilience, sacrifice, and love.

Patrick and Christiana Osimhen’s unshakeable faith and sacrifices laid the foundation for Victor’s success, while his siblings’ support and struggles fueled his drive to overcome adversity.

As Victor continues to shine for the Super Eagles and clubs worldwide, he carries the weight of his family’s legacy, honouring their sacrifices with every goal and every accolade.

Victor Osimhen’s story is not just about a footballer’s rise to fame, it’s about a family that dared to dream in the face of overwhelming odds.

From scavenging in landfills to lifting trophies, Victor’s journey embodies the spirit of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the unbreakable bond of family.

As he wrote after winning the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, “Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart… I am sure my parents in heaven are smiling at me.”