Osimhen’s Rise: From Lagos Street Vendor to Nigeria’s Goal King

Victor Osimhen once hawked newspapers amid the gridlocked streets of Lagos. Today, he makes headlines as a prolific striker for Nigeria and Galatasaray.

As the Super Eagles gear up to face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco this December, expectations are high for the 26-year-old forward.

“He is the greatest striker in the world,” head coach Eric Chelle said as Nigeria chase a fourth AFCON crown and their first since 2013.

Nigeria boast a wealth of attacking options, with fellow former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman among those who could line up alongside Osimhen.

Osimhen’s journey mirrors that of many African footballers — a classic rags-to-riches story defined by resilience and opportunity. He has spoken openly about his tough upbringing in a series of social media posts, hoping to inspire Nigerians facing similar hardships.

His early memories of Lagos include dusty roads and the stench from nearby refuse dumps.

“I had to sell newspapers and bottles of water to help my family survive,” Osimhen recalled. He turns 27 on December 29, a day before Nigeria face Uganda in their final group match.

A turning point came during preparations for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Initially overlooked by coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Osimhen was dropped after failing to impress. However, assistant coaches urged Amuneke to reconsider.

Amuneke — who scored both goals in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Zambia in the 1994 AFCON final — gave Osimhen another chance. The striker seized it, scoring 10 goals in seven matches as Nigeria went on to win the tournament in Chile.

‘Thanks to Amuneke’

Osimhen has repeatedly acknowledged Amuneke’s influence on his career. During his acceptance speech as Africa’s best player in 2023, he paid tribute to the former international.

“Special thanks goes to Emmanuel Amuneke. Without him I do not think I would be standing here holding one of the most prestigious awards in international football,” Osimhen said in Rabat.

Scouted in Chile, Osimhen moved to Europe but endured a difficult spell at Wolfsburg, failing to score in 14 appearances. A loan move to Belgian side Charleroi revived his form, as he netted 12 goals in 25 matches.

He then joined Lille in France, spending one season there and averaging a goal every two games.

In 2020, Napoli paid a club-record €70 million to sign him. Osimhen repaid the investment by playing a central role in Napoli’s 2023 Serie A triumph, ending the club’s 30-year title drought.

His exploits sparked transfer links to the Saudi Pro League, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Instead, he opted for Galatasaray, initially on loan before completing a permanent move. In Turkey, he has continued to score regularly.

At international level, Osimhen has been equally lethal, recording 31 goals in 45 appearances since his debut in 2017. His tally includes four goals in a 2024 AFCON qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe, a recent hat-trick against Benin and a brace versus Gabon in 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

However, Nigeria will miss the 2026 World Cup after losing the African play-off final to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in Morocco.

Osimhen was forced off injured at half-time against DR Congo, with many fans attributing the defeat to his absence. Injuries have been a recurring challenge in his career, and he often wears a protective face mask following a fractured cheekbone and eye socket sustained while playing for Napoli.

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