Osimhen and journalist Lolade Adewuyi
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has opened up on some of the difficulties he’s faced as a grassroot footballer in Nigeria with high hopes of becoming a professional.
Osimhen is currently the leading goalscorer in the Italian Serie A with 21 goals. And he also has five assists to his name this season.
According to a story by journalist Lolade Adewuyi, Osimhen was once a labourer in his neighbourhood while growing up.
He would go to a construction site close to his house, and help carry cement for workers. And by that way, he will make some money to help argument the little his parents could make.
The 24-year-old came to limelight after he impressed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015. At the tournament, he scored 10 goals in 6 appearances, to help Nigeria lift the trophy.
According to Lolade, he may have crossed roads with Victor, but unconsciously knowing his the one. And most Interestingly, he was one of the few journalists that first reported about his move to Germany.
What Was Said About The Napoli Marksman
“I was also the one who broke the news of his departure to Wolfsburg in 2016,” Lolade reported at SoccernetNigeria.
“My trusted contact had sent me a picture of Victor and his now late father about to board the flight to Germany at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
“It was the beginning of his professional career and it left scars and injuries, loss of faith and picking up again through loan moves and final redemption.
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“But much earlier than that, I am sure I had walked past a young Victor when I worked at TELL magazine at their former office on Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, just metres from the Olusosun neighborhood where Victor grew up.
“We would go into Olusosun to eat amala during lunch break and I might have walked past him close to the sports viewing centre inside that community.”
Osimhen Is From A Poor Family
“Victor’s family was poor and he had to pitch in to help, selling pure water in traffic and doing other menial work.
“There was a major construction of a block of apartment flats going on opposite TELL magazine at the time, as the neighborhood became gentrified. “I worked on that site,” Victor said to my surprise. “I carried cement for them.”
“It was work that earned him a few hundred Naira daily carrying cement on the head to concrete mixing stations. Perhaps, it is why his head is very tough and he has no fear during aerial challenges despite his head injury two years ago.
And Now He’s Living Like A King
“But here we sat in his Mercedes Benz G Class worth at least 118,256 euros (60million Naira) and talked about how sports had changed our lives. I wouldn’t have ever thought I would visit Naples if not for his feat, a young Nigerian making that city dream of a first title after 33 years.”
Napoli only have two, won with Diego Maradona in ‘87 & ‘90. This year they have a Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen that’s leading their challenge. They have a 13-point lead & are in prime position to win the Serie A.
This is where football economics, politics & emotions mix. pic.twitter.com/RrTHDX1mzK
— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) January 31, 2023
“And before we said our goodbyes, Victor reached into the back seat and brought out his No.9 jersey as a token of appreciation for my trip. It was the best gift ever. We got out of the vehicle and he asked a waiting taxi driver to take pictures as he autographed the jersey.”
Osimhen and Napoli may win its first ever Scudetto title in more than three decades next week. Because they failed to win Salernitana at home today.
