December 22, 2024
MyNewsGh

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Victor Osimhen has shot himself into global stardom through sheer hard work and determination.

The Nigerian striker was rewarded on Monday when he won the CAF African Player of The Year 2023 in Marrakech.

The 25 year old was recognized for a remarkable year in which he won the Italian Serie A with Napoli and finished as the league’s top scorer.

Osimhen gave an emotional speech after receiving the award

There were many across the globe who were pleasantly surprised by the maturity and humility in Osimhen’s acceptance speech on Monday.

But what other surprises are there to the 25-year-old goal poacher?

Family

Victor Osimhen was born in Lagos on 29th December 1998, as the last of his parent’s six children. The Osimhen family originate from Southern Nigeria, precisely Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State in Nigeria.

In a small community of Olusosun near Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, Osimhen was raised with his brother Andrew and four other siblings.

World record in 2015

Osimhen first caught the world’s attention when he led the Nigerian U-17 team to victory in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015. He was awarded the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball.

Others may have won the individual awards before, but Osimhen did his in style.

He scored 10 goals to set a new record at the tournament, breaking the long-standing record of nine goals in a single tournament previously held jointly by Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle and Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly.

Osimhen poses with the two awards at the FIFA U-17 World Cup

Rejecting Arsenal at 17

Osimhen has established himself as one of the best strikers in the World. At Napoli, he has found a home at a top, competitive club.

But there is also the alternate world where Osimhen does not end up in Naples.

Oh no, its not as bad as you think. The alternate home is in London. North London. Arsenal.

Back in 2015, Osimhen was a hot cake.

After his record-breaking campaign at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, the world’s top football club’s lined up for his signature. Arsenal got pretty close.

As Osimhen recounts, there was even a conversation with then-Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger.

“I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the tournament ended and he wanted me to come to Arsenal,” he said.

“I had a lot of options. Barcelona, Inter, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and the rest. Arsenal was a good option but it wasn’t the best at the time. I wanted to start playing as soon as I turned 18. I wanted to go to a place where I had time to invest in my game and improve physically. Wolfsburg showed me that possibility.”

Love Life

Osimhen is currently dating German hot-shot Stefanie Ladewig.

Osimhen and his girlfriend pose for the cameras during Napoli’s end of season celebrations in May

The pair reportedly met during Osimhen’s Bundesliga stint with VFL Wolfsburg. At the time, Ladewig was a cheerleader for Wolfsburg.

It is not known the exact time the couple started their relationship, but Osimhen and Stefanie have been together since meeting in Germany.

Although they are yet to be married, Osimhen and Ladewig’s affair has produced a daughter named Hailey.

Idolizing Drogba

Osimhen has often spoken of his admiration for Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

“Drogba is the type of player who doesn’t give up and possesses fighting spirit. He is also very passionate; always serious on the field and whatever the circumstance he would try and score for his team.” he said in an interview with ESPN.

Drogba recently congratulated him for his strong performances in Serie A and Champions League.



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