Victor Osimhen Shares African Best Player Triumph with Olusosun Community
The 25-year-old star, whose journey to football stardom began on the streets of Olusosun, celebrated his victory with the community that nurtured his early talent.
Victor Osimhen won the 2023 African Best Player Award, surpassing notable contenders like Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah. His brilliance was pivotal in leading Napoli to their first Scudetto title in over three decades.
Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Osimhen has emerged as one of the most promising strikers in European football. His journey to stardom began humbly, playing football on the streets of Olusosun.
The Cradle of Dreams
Olusosun, located in the Oregun area of Lagos, is known for its massive landfill site, one of the largest in Africa. Despite the challenging environment, it is a community where many young talents have honed their skills. For Osimhen, Olusosun’s streets provided the playground where he could nurture his passion for football.
Osimhen’s big break came when he represented Nigeria in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He finished as the tournament’s top scorer, leading Nigeria to victory and earning global recognition. This success paved the way for a move to Europe. He initially signed with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany before making significant strides with clubs like Charleroi in Belgium and Lille in France. His prolific scoring record at Lille led to a high-profile transfer to Napoli in Serie A, where he continued to impress, culminating in an incredible record that led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season.
The Nigerian top striker has also been linked with potential moves to top European clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, PSG, and Manchester United.
