Victor Osimhen’s story is more than just scoring goals and winning individual Awards —it’s a testament to resilience, he has the psychological capacity to adapt to stressful circumstances, recover from adversity, maintain mental health despite challenges and the power of dreams. From hawking on the streets to becoming one of Africa’s most feared strikers, he continues to inspire millions.
Born on December 29, 1998, in the Olusosun community of Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen grew up in a challenging environment. His family faced financial hardships, and as a child, he sold sachet water and other goods on the streets to support them. Despite these obstacles, his passion for football burned brightly.
He showcased his skills at the Onigbongbo Ultimate Strikers in the Lagos State J-League in Lagos created by the Lagos State Governor then, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, where his raw talent began to attract attention.
Osimhen’s big break came in 2015, when he played for Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. He scored 10 goals, winning the Golden Boot and helping Nigeria lift the trophy. This performance catapulted him into the international spotlight.
SUPER EAGLES IMPACT
Osimhen debuted for Nigeria’s senior team in 2017. As of October 2025, he has scored 29 goals in 43 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer in Super Eagles history. His hat-trick against Benin Republic in a World Cup qualifier further cemented his legacy.
All-Time Top Scorer for the Super Eagles:
Rashidi Yekini
- Goals Scored: 37 goals
- Appearances: 58 matches
- Period Active: 1984–1998
- Position: Striker
- Notable Achievement: Scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup (USA 1994) and celebrated memorably by clutching the net.
Current Challenger: Victor Osimhen
- Goals Scored: 29 goals and 12 Assists (as of October 2025)
- Appearances: 43 matches
- Age: 26
- Recent Performance: Scored a hat-trick against Benin Republic in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, closing the gap to Yekini’s record.
- Club: Galatasaray in the Turkish League
Osimhen’s Goals by Competition
| Competition | Goals | Matches |
| Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers | 10 Goals | 12 Matches |
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 7 Goals | 10 Matches |
| Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Finals | 2 Goals | 6 Matches |
| International Friendlies | 5 Goals | 7 Matches |
| Other Tournaments (e.g., WAFU) | 5 Goals | 2 Matches |
| Total | 29 Goals | 37 Matches|
Goals against Opponent
| Opponent | Goals |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 7 Goals |
| Sierra Leone | 3 Goals |
| Lesotho | 2 Goals |
| Benin Republic | 2 Goals |
| Liberia | 2 Goals |
| Central African Republic | 2 Goals |
| Ghana | 2 Goals |
| Others (single goals) | 9 Goals |
| Total | 29|
Osimhen’s standout performance came in Nigeria’s 10–0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe, where he scored four goals in a single match. He’s also been consistent in qualifiers, making him a key figure in Nigeria’s push for major tournaments.
HIS CLUB CAREER GOALS
- VfL Wolfsburg (Germany) – Signed in 2017, but struggled with injuries and limited playtime.
- Charleroi (Belgium) – Loaned in 2018, where he scored 12 goals in 25 matches, reigniting his career.
- Lille OSC (France) – Joined in 2019, netting 13 goals in 27 appearances, showcasing his explosive pace and finishing.
- Napoli (Italy) – In 2020, Osimhen became Africa’s most expensive player at the time, signing for €70 million. He scored 65 goals in 108 matches, becoming a Serie A sensation.
- Galatasaray (Turkey) – Loaned in 2024, he continued his scoring spree with 26 goals in 30 matches, later signing permanently in 2025.
HONORS AND RECOGNITION
- FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot (2015)
- Serie A Top Scorer (2022–23 season)
- Africa Cup of Nations Runner-Up (2023)
- CAF Best Player Of The Year Award (2024)
- National Honors – Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Member of the Federal Republic (MFR)
