Victor Osimhen: Nigeria's rising star in European football

Victor Osimhen’s journey in football began in Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in a challenging environment, his early life was marked by determination and a love for football. He honed his skills playing on the streets and eventually joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos. 

He quickly caught the eye of scouts, leading to his first breakthrough when he starred in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, helping Nigeria clinch the title​.

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Journey to European Leagues

Osimhen’s impressive performance at the U-17 World Cup opened the doors to Europe. In 2017, he signed with German club VfL Wolfsburg. However, his time in the Bundesliga was plagued by injuries and limited playing opportunities, resulting in only 14 appearances without a goal. A loan move to Belgian side Charleroi for the 2018/19 season revived his career, as he scored 20 goals in 36 appearances, prompting the club to sign him permanently​.

His success in Belgium attracted attention from Lille in France, where he moved in 2019. At Lille, Osimhen's talent truly blossomed. He scored 18 goals in 38 games across all competitions in the 2019/20 season, earning him the title of Lille’s Player of the Season and attracting interest from major European clubs​.

His performance made him a favorite among Nigerian betting fans, who keenly follow teams where their countryman plays. Fans often use the Bet9ja exclusive Nigerian promo to place bets on football worldwide, showing their support and engagement with Osimhen's career.

Stellar Performance at Napoli

In 2020, Osimhen made a high-profile transfer to Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million. Despite some initial challenges, including injuries and adapting to a new league, he quickly became a key player for the team. The 2023/24 season was particularly notable, as he scored 17 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 games, making him one of the top scorers in Serie A​.

His physicality, pace, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders. He has also been instrumental in Napoli's Champions League campaigns, further solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s elite strikers​.

Performance for the Super Eagles

Victor Osimhen has also been a crucial player for Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles. Since his debut in 2017, he has scored important goals in World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His contributions have been vital in leading Nigeria to key victories, and he continues to be a top choice for the national squad. 

He became the key figure in Nigeria's football ambitions​ due to his goal-scoring ability, work rate, and dedication.

Final Thoughts

As the summer transfer window approaches, speculation around Osimhen’s future is rampant. Chelsea is among the top contenders for his signature, willing to meet his hefty release clause of around €130 million. Arsenal and PSG have also shown interest, but Chelsea appears to be in the lead due to their urgent need for a proven goal scorer​.

Negotiations between Napoli and Osimhen for a contract extension are ongoing, which could further secure his stay in Italy or increase his transfer value. If Napoli manages to extend his contract, they would be in a stronger position to demand an even higher fee, making any transfer a record-breaking deal​.