Victor Osimhen has become a symbol of belief for Nigeria whenever he steps onto the pitch. The Super Eagles have drawn strength from his presence as they prepare to face hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, having recorded five victories from five matches.
Victor Osimhen has become a symbol of belief for Nigeria whenever he steps onto the pitch. The Super Eagles have drawn strength from his presence as they prepare to face hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, having recorded five victories from five matches.
The 27-year-old forward has played a decisive role in that run, finding the net four times during the tournament. That tally places him just one goal behind Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and level with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, underlining his importance to Nigeria’s attacking threat.
Yet the journey to this stage has not been without tension. A heated exchange with teammate Ademola Lookman during the emphatic last-16 win against Mozambique briefly shifted attention away from Nigeria’s performances, raising questions that were later firmly dismissed within the camp.
Osimhen’s drive is rooted in a childhood marked by severe struggle. Growing up in Lagos, he lost both parents at a young age and was forced to survive by selling water in traffic while also caring for his siblings.
Those experiences shaped a fierce competitive edge that former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong believes defines the striker. He has spoken of Osimhen’s constant urgency, whether chasing chances in the penalty area or pushing himself to the front in everyday situations.
According to Troost-Ekong, that intensity is not a flaw but a defining quality. It fuels Osimhen’s leadership and sets an example for both his peers and younger players, helping explain why he has risen to the top of Nigerian football.
Osimhen now sits just two goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing national scoring mark of 37, having already scored 35 times in 50 international appearances. Despite the proximity to history, he has consistently emphasised admiration for the late striker.
Rather than focusing on personal milestones, Osimhen has spoken about his desire to win a major trophy for his country. Former teammates believe lifting the Africa Cup of Nations would mean more to him than breaking any individual record.
Journalist Oluwashina Okeleji notes that within the squad, Osimhen’s influence is unmistakable. Even without wearing the captain’s armband, he is regarded as the central figure around whom the team functions, earning him recognition as the leading figure of the current generation.
Osimhen’s reputation has been built on consistent scoring wherever he has played. His breakthrough in Europe came with Lille, where his performances earned him a high-profile move to Napoli.
In Italy, he reached new heights, scoring 26 league goals in the 2022-23 campaign as Napoli secured their first Scudetto in more than three decades. That season also saw him surpass George Weah as the most prolific African scorer in Serie A history.
After leaving Naples, Osimhen joined Galatasaray, initially on loan, and continued his prolific form. He scored 26 times in 30 appearances as the Turkish club completed a league and cup double before making the move permanent and maintaining his status as one of the game’s most feared attackers.
