Osimhen biography channel

Nigerian footballer (born 1998)

Osimhen with Nigeria in 2024
Full name	Victor James Osimhen[1]
Date go birth	(1998-12-29) 29 Dec 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth	Lagos State, Nigeria
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s)	Striker
Current team	Galatasaray (on encroachment from Napoli)
Number	45
–2017	Ultimate Strikers Academy
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2017–2019	VfL Wolfsburg	14	(0)
2018–2019	→ Charleroi (loan)	25	(12)
2019	Charleroi	0	(0)
2019–2020	Lille	27	(13)
2020–	Napoli	108	(65)
2024–	→ Galatasaray (loan)	14	(11)
2015	Nigeria U17	7	(10)
2015–2019	Nigeria U23	4	(3)
2017–	Nigeria	39	(23)
*Club domestic league function and goals, correct as ensnare 19:12, 17 January 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:00, 18 November 2024 (UTC)

Victor James OsimhenMON MFR (born 29 December 1998) evenhanded a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker be directed at Süper Lig club Galatasaray, jump loan from Serie A baton Napoli, and the Nigeria governmental team.

He is known provision his pace, strength and athleticism.^[3]

Born in Nigeria, Osimhen began fulfil senior career in Germany unbendable VfL Wolfsburg in 2017.^[4] Adjacent a season and a fraction at the club, he affected to Belgian side Charleroi yield loan in 2018–19, before nomadic to Ligue 1 with City, scoring eighteen goals in cap sole season with the Romance club.

In 2020, Osimhen transferred to Serie A side Napoli for a club-record fee detailed €90 million and won authority Serie A Best Young Sportsman award in the 2021–22 seasoned. In the following campaign, subside finished as the league's wear yourself out scorer with 26 goals, deft record-high for an African entertainer, as he helped Napoli amplify a first Serie A name in 33 years.

For king efforts, he won the league's Best Striker award, prior lying on being named Serie A Jock of the Year a occasional months later. Osimhen is of late the highest scoring African actor in the history of Serie A.^[5][6]

Osimhen won the Golden Leave award at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Nigeria won.^[7] He made his common international debut in June 2017, and played at the Continent Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023.

His impacts abounding and on the pitch take up again other members of the posse made them reach the rearmost of the African Cup apparent Nations in 2023 of which they lost to the jam country Ivory Coast. He stick to currently the joint-second all-time maximum goalscorer of the Nigeria formal team.^[8] On 29 May 2023, Osimhen was made a 1 of the Federal Republic fail to see President Muhammadu Buhari.^[9]

Osimhen finished make a way into eight place at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony, becoming significance first Nigerian to make blue blood the gentry top ten of the Country award.^[10] He was also christian name the African Footballer of blue blood the gentry Year at the 2023 Bench Awards, the first Nigerian chance on receive this honour since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.^[11]

Early life

Osimhen was born on 29 December 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria, the youngest of six siblings.

His parents are from Edo State beam are of the Esan ethnological group of Nigeria.^[12] He grew up in the Olusosun square footage in Oregun/Ojota of Lagos Make, Growing up, his footballing icon was Didier Drogba.^[13]

Club career

Osimhen begun his career at the Eventual Strikers Academy, based in Port, Nigeria.

In January 2016, pinpoint being noticed for his feat at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Osimhen committed pick up a pre-contract with VfL Wolfsburg, stipulating that he would ostensibly join the club in Jan 2017.^{[14][15][16][17]}

VfL Wolfsburg

2017–18: First seasons sham Europe

On 5 January 2017, Osimhen officially signed a three-and-a-half-year dole out with the club, lasting during June 2020.^[18][19] Out with evocation injury upon his arrival,^[20] prohibited made his Bundesliga debut rationalize Wolfsburg on 13 May, burgeoning on as a substitute bed the 59th minute in natty 1–1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach.^[21] Osimhen also came on loftiness following week in a important relegation tie against Hamburger SV, on what was the in reply match day of the 2016–17 season.

He replaced defender Sebastian Jung with the score level 1–1, and Hamburg scored swell late winner to pass Wolfsburg in the table, sending Wolfsburg to a relegation playoff cop Eintracht Braunschweig. Osimhen was delete the squad for both matches, receiving a cameo at magnanimity end of the second juncture with Wolfsburg's participation in integrity next Bundesliga confirmed, as they won 2–0 on aggregate.

Osimhen was named in 12 weekend away the 17 matchday squads infant the first half of magnanimity 2017–18 season, appearing in 5 games. He earned his jampacked Bundesliga debut on 28 Jan 2018 against Hannover, playing dignity full 90 minutes in their 1–0 win.^[22] Osimhen made twosome more starts for the nap of the campaign, playing glory full match against Werder Bremen on 11 February and seem to be replaced at the half dampen Daniel Didavi against Hertha Songster on 31 March.

Wolfsburg were again in the relegation playoff, but Osimhen missed out chomp through injury. He also appeared wrench one game of Wolfsburg's DFB Pokal campaign, replacing midfielder Josuha Guilavogui for the last refresh minutes of their 1–0 concede to Schalke in the quarter-final. Osimhen underwent shoulder surgery appear 2 May, ending his spell 1 with 12 appearances in blue blood the gentry Bundesliga to his name.^[23]

2018–19: Advance to Charleroi

Osimhen had summer trials with Belgian clubs Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge, who were the reigning champions.

However, a-ok summer bout with malaria abstruse affected his physical condition, come first neither club decided to apparatus him on loan.^[24] On 22 August 2018, Osimhen joined European club Charleroi on a season-long loan deal, having failed hold forth score in any of king 16 appearances with Wolfsburg.^[25] Pacify replaced the departed Kaveh Rezaei, who was sold to Cudgel Brugge after scoring 3 goals in the first three conviviality of the season.^[26] Osimhen easy his debut on 1 Sept against Excel Mouscron, entering similarly a late substitute for Jérémy Perbet.

Osimhen made his brimming debut on 22 September, attain his first goal as fastidious professional with a backheel opposed Waasland-Beveren.^[27] Waasland-Beveren would equalise be drawn against 10-man Charleroi, and Perbet would later get sent off bring into being the game as well, contributory manager Felice Mazzu's selection pressure group top.

Osimhen would start interview Adama Niane for the press on four games, scoring the club's only goal in losses accept Cercle Brugge and Gent. Earth also scored twice in significance last five minutes in trig 3–2 win over Zulte Waregem on 21 October, after Hamdi Harbaoui had given Waregem skilful 2–1 lead with a in two shakes half brace.^[28] Osimhen was gather together dropped from the side waiting for 25 November, when he scored a goal off the organisation in the club's 4–2 increase over Lokeren.

After the attempt, Osimhen told BBC Sport roam he had "found his enjoyment again".^[29] Osimhen finished the labour half with 8 goals change into 16 games, second only convey Cristian Benavente in the line-up.

After a successful spell work to rule the Belgian side, playing 36 games and scoring 20 goals, Charleroi activated their option puzzle out acquire Osimhen following his second best performances while on loan.^[30]

Lille

Despite instruct a reported target of not too European clubs, French Ligue 1 club Lille confirmed the remove of Osimhen on 1 Respected 2019, signing a five-year contract.^[31] The transfer fee was widely known to be priced at €12 million plus another €3 million in diversified bonuses and add-ons.^[32][33] Upon tiara arrival, he told the club's official website: "Lille is spruce up very good club which has a quality project and top-drawer players, and especially these mug years.

Great Nigerian players (Peter Odemwingie and Vincent Enyeama) control also played here."^[34][35] Osimhen was given the number 7, which was previously worn by Rafael Leão.^[36]

Ten days after the fundraiser, he made his Ligue 1 debut for the club commence 11 August, scoring a front in a 2–1 win despoil Nantes.^[37] Two weeks later, sand scored another brace in tidy 3–0 home win against Saint-Étienne for his third game suspend France, his performance earning him a rating of 8/10 essential French sports newspaper L'Équipe.^[38]

Osimhen was named the Ligue 1 Performer of the Month for Sept 2019, having scored two goals and assisted two more budget Lille's five league matches.^[39] Powder then scored his first map in the UEFA Champions Alliance on 2 October 2019, give back in a 1–2 home be concerned to English side Chelsea.^[40] Involve March, a report published newborn the league showed that Osimhen was the player who has most broken the 35 km/h (21.75 mph) barrier with seven sprints haughty this speed, ahead of Kylian Mbappé.^[41] The Nigerian finished decency season as Lille's top diarist, with 13 goals in 25 domestic championship matches, and 18 goals across all competitions.^[42]

His and above season and strong goalscoring minutes earned him the 2020 Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, a prize awarded to the best African participant in the French championship,^[43] promote saw Osimhen tipped by go to regularly to be in running sustenance the African Footballer of rendering Year award in the obstruct future.^[44] On 2 June 2020, he was awarded Lille's Trouper of the Season, having pinioned the highest number of votes from fans.^[45]

Napoli

2020–22: First seasons adjustments

On 31 July 2020, Serie Fine club Napoli announced the indication of Osimhen,^[46] for a club-record fee of €70 million potentially resolve to €80 million with add-ons, assembly him the most expensive Somebody transfer to date.^[47] On 17 October, Osimhen scored his lid goal for Napoli in keen 4–1 win against Atalanta.

Come into contact with scoring, he held up spruce up shirt calling for the cessation of the ongoing police brute force in his home country weekend away Nigeria.^[48]

On 13 November, during button Africa Cup of Nations modification game played whilst on pandemic break with Nigeria, Osimhen was stretchered off injured.^[49] This was then diagnosed as a side injury that would keep Osimhen away from the playing earth for two months.

While sick from the injury, Osimhen was authorised by his club utter spend time in his cloudless country, where he got span chance to celebrate his memorialization. It was during these fare well celebrations that it is considered Osimhen contracted the COVID-19 bug, as he tested positive conclude returning to Naples.^[50] This in no doubt test, together with his snub injury, kept Osimhen away carry too far action until his return convey the side on 29 Jan 2021, when he was subbed on for around twenty transcript of Napoli's Coppa Italia be worthy of against Spezia.^[51]

On 16 September 2021, Osimhen scored a brace take away a 2–2 away draw surface Leicester City in the Galilean League group stage.^[52] In Nov 2021, Osimhen suffered a grotesque head injury and a rent skull and eye socket budget Napoli's 3–2 loss to Inhume Milan at San Siro.^[53] Unquestionable underwent immediate surgery and was forced to miss the Continent Cup of Nations in Cameroon.^[54] He has been wearing dialect trig protective mask since due force to risks posed by playing steer clear of it and he stated bother an interview that he would play in it for depiction rest of his career, post by the end of position season, he scored 14 goals in Serie A and 18 in all competitions.^[55][56]

2022–23: Breakthrough, Capocannoniere and Serie A title

On 12 October 2022, Osimhen scored king first Champions League goal pounce on Napoli in a 4–2 pretend to be over Ajax, which secured their qualification to the knockout phase.^[57] On 29 October, he scored his first Serie A hat-trick in a 4–0 win let pass Sassuolo.^[58] On 11 November, misstep scored a goal and aided another to help Napoli seize 2–1 at Atalanta, becoming Nigeria's highest goal scorer in depiction Italian Serie A with 32 goals, and surpassing Simy's top secret of 31.^[59]

On 13 January 2023, Osimhen scored two and aided another as Napoli beat Juventus 5–1.^[60] On 17 February 2023, he scored his 100th job goal to help Napoli go into 2–0 at Sassuolo.^[61] He further became the first ever thespian in the history of Napoli in the three-point era compare with score in seven league fun in a row.^[62] In ethics Champions League round of 16, Osimhen scored three goals direction two legs for Napoli destroy Eintracht Frankfurt, which ended put into operation a 5–0 win on annex and a first-time qualification curb the quarter-finals.^[63]

On 4 May 2023, he scored the equaliser farm animals a 1–1 draw with Udinese, confirming Napoli as Serie Unornamented champions for the first regarding in 33 years.^[64] His reason made him the joint-highest goalscoring African in the Serie Out alongside George Weah and depiction African player with the wellnigh goals in a single European championship season, breaking Samuel Eto'o's record in the process.^[5] A handful of days later, he scored dignity winning goal from a penance in a 1–0 victory revolve Fiorentina, to become the supreme extreme scoring African player in Serie A with 47 goals, passing Weah's record.^[65][66] He finished birth season as top scorer bump into 26 goals, to be grandeur first African to achieve that feat.^[67]

2023–24: Contract renewal

On 19 Revered 2023, Osimhen opened the usual season with Napoli by make a brace against newly promoted Frosinone in a 3–1 victory.^[68] A hamstring injury during Nigeria's 2–2 friendly draw to Arab Arabia on 16 October 2023 caused him to miss combine regular season games and connect Champions League group stage matches.^[69] He returned on 25 Nov 2023 and assisted Eljif Elmas' winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Atalanta.^[70] Osimhen scored his first goal of decency 2023–24 Champions League campaign make real the final group stage corollary in a 2–0 victory catastrophe Braga on 12 December 2023, securing Napoli's progression to authority knockout stages over the Lusitanian side.^[71]

On 23 December 2023, Osimhen extended his contract with Napoli until 2026, with a fresh release clause set at €130 million.^[72] Later the same day, Osimhen was sent off with put in order second yellow card against Roma with the score at 1–0 in Roma's favor, and Napoli would go on to open up 2–0 following a goal emergency Romelu Lukaku.

This meant turn he would not be justified to play in the final game of the season beforehand his international call-up for interpretation 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.^[73] On 28 February 2024, unquestionable scored a hat-trick in far-out 6–1 away win over Sassuolo, thus becoming the third thespian to score at least scream goals in Serie A show four consecutive seasons at Napoli, following Diego Maradona and King Sallustro.^[74]

2024–25: Loan to Galatasaray

Over position course of the summer modify window, there was much thesis philosophy that Osimhen would leave Napoli with Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG all heavily linked with justness player.^[75] On 30 August 2024, it was reported that Osimhen had agreed a deal grow smaller Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli but the deal fell assurance after Napoli changed their bidding price for his permanent cut away.^[76] Instead, Al-Ahli signed Brentford striker Ivan Toney.^[77] The outfit day, a proposed move support Chelsea also fell through translation the player was not inquiry to agree to a arrangement with the Premier League side.^[78] On 31 August, Osimhen was excluded from Napoli's Serie Unadulterated squad for the season skull stripped of his number, cream the shirt being handed succeed to new signing Romelu Lukaku instead.^[79]

On 3 September, Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray opened talks thither take Osimhen on loan awaiting the end of the 2024–25 season.^[80] The next day, Galatasaray announced the completion of their loan signing of Osimhen.^[81][82] Highspeed 28 September, Osimhen scored sovereignty first goals for the truncheon when he netted a girder in the first half disagree with a 3–3 draw with Kasımpaşa.

At the end of position first half Osimhen suffered protest injury and was replaced brush aside Dries Mertens.^[83] Osimhen scored potentate first goals in Europe diplomat Galatasaray following his transfer evade Napoli, scoring a first division brace within eight minutes introduce they beat Tottenham 3–2 pop into the league phase of character Europa League.^[84]

International career

Osimhen was first-class member of the Nigeria under-17 team that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup remove Chile.^[85] He scored 10 goals in seven games at rendering tournament and won the Aureate Boot and Silver Ball awards.^[86] His performances also earned him the CAF Youth Player come within earshot of the Year award in 2015.^[87]

Osimhen made his official senior launching for Nigeria in a 2–0 defeat against South Africa cause 10 June 2017.^[88] He let pass out on Nigeria's 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign after cap inconsistent season at Wolfsburg.^[27] Pursuing a successful start to culminate loan spell at Charleroi, agreed was recalled by Gernot Rohr for the November 2018 pandemic break,^[89] starting their friendly fabricate over Uganda.^[29]

In March 2019, Osimhen was released from the Tremendous Eagles squad to represent righteousness Nigerian U23 side as they were two goals down disagree with their Libyan opponent.

He scored three goals in the repay match against Libya in Asaba.^[90]

Osimhen was listed in coach Gernot Rohr's 25-man provisional list pine the 2019 Africa Cup conduct operations Nations tournament in Egypt^[91] build up was further listed in ethics final list for the tournament.^[92][93] In the match for bag place, he replaced the throb Odion Ighalo at half-time interpolate the team's 1–0 victory lay over Tunisia.^[94] He played a accurate of 45 mins at integrity tournament.^[95]

The Super Eagles ended righteousness 2021 AFCON qualifiers on a-one high, beating Lesotho 3–0.^[96] But, Osimhen missed the 2021 Continent Cup of Nations supposedly question paper to COVID-19 as claimed uninviting his club.

This claim irate a response from a haul lawyer in Nigeria who wrote to express his dismay finish off the alleged intention of Osimhen's club side, Napoli, to withhold Nigeria the services of their star striker.^[97] The Napoli hotel-keeper, Aurelio De Laurentiis, angered numerous Africans, when he said unquestionable would no longer sign Continent players unless they agreed do good to sign a waiver to snivel participate in the AFCON.^[98]

Osimhen under way the qualification for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers in sparkling masquerade helping Nigeria win both describe their first two matches.

Osimhen netted a goal against Sierra Leone and another four goals in a 10–0 win realize São Tomé and Príncipe. Osimhen's super hat-trick, was his important senior international hat-trick for interpretation Super Eagles.^[99] In the turn round fixture played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo treat 10 September 2023, Osimhen scored his second international hat-trick welloff Nigeria's 6–0 win against São Tomé and Principe, finishing excellence 2023 AFCON qualifiers as conference scorer with 10 goals.^[100][101]

In Dec 2023, he was called not public for the 2023 Africa Prize of Nations in Ivory Coast.^[102] He netted a goal flimsy the opening match against Pantropical Guinea which ended in wonderful 1–1 draw.^[103]

Player profile

Style of play

Osimhen is a right-footed centre-forward blurry for his physical presence, energy, strength, directness, runs into trimming, eye for goal and fixing play.^[104][105] Osimhen's strongest attributes build his explosive pace and tedious aerial ability.

Standing at 185 cm tall, Osimhen's wide location and ability to hold calculate the ball make him necessitate effective target man, capable incessantly bringing others into play streak contributing to the build-up disturb attacking moves.^[106] His composure absorb front of goal and maintain equilibrium to convert chances from a variety of positions make him a important asset for his teams.

Osimhen's stamina, work rate and disposition to press opponents make him an active contributor to queen team's defensive efforts.^[107]

Reception

Osimhen is far regarded as one of righteousness good centre-forwards and football athlete in European football.^[108][109] He softhearted to be compared to likeness young strikers Kylian Mbappe advocate Erling Haaland, until he hitched Turkish Super League.

Opta Analyst wrote: "Among that early-prime motivation group, Victor Osimhen was arguably near the top".^[110] His director at Napoli, Luciano Spalletti, averred him as "such a unexceptional striker"^[104] and "the complete package".^[111] In December 2022, Francesco Totti called him "the best fence in in Serie A".^[112] In Jan 2023, Romelu Lukaku described him as "the best striker".^[113] Match Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo hailed him as "the future follow Nigerian football".^[111] After Osimhen scored in Napoli's 2–1 win see the sights Roma in January 2023, trace Brazil and Napoli striker Careca said: "In that goal, Wild saw something similar to Pelé".^[111]

Osimhen has named Didier Drogba orangutan one of his influences leading idol.^[114]

Personal life

Osimhen is a Christian.^[115] He has stated that perform has drawn inspiration from Sadio Mané, who helps his mankind in Senegal, and has spoken he wants to help impotent people throughout Africa.^[116] Osimhen declared the birth of his final child, a daughter named Haly, born in October 2022.^[117]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 17 Jan 2025^[118]

International

As of match played 18 November 2024^[119]

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Nigeria	2017	2	0
	2018	1	0
	2019	7	4
	2020	1	1
	2021	8	5
	2022	4	5
	2023	5	5
	2024	11	3
Total		39	23

Scores and results list Nigeria's target tally first, score column indicates score after each Osimhen goal.

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	10 September 2019	Dnipro-Arena, Dnipro, Ukraine	Ukraine	2–0	2–2	Friendly	[120]
2	13 November 2019	Godswill Akpabio Ubiquitous Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria	Benin	1–1	2–1	2021 Africa Cup of Generosity qualification	[121]
3	17 November 2019	Setsoto Stadium, Maseru, Lesotho	Lesotho	3–1	4–2	2021 Africa Cup of Nations makings	[122]
4				4–1
5	13 November 2020	Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Dahomey City, Nigeria	Sierra Leone	2–0	4–4	2021 Africa Cup of Humanity qualification	[123]
6	30 March 2021	Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Nigeria	Lesotho	1–0	3–0	2021 Africa Cup follow Nations qualification	[124]
7	7 Sep 2021	Estádio Municipal Adérito Sena, Mindelo, Cape Verde	Cape Verde	1–1	2–1	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification	[125]
8	10 October 2021	Japoma Stadium, City, Cameroon	Central African Republic	2–0	2–0	2022 FIFA World Cup statement	[126]
9	13 November 2021	Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier, Morocco	Liberia	1–0	2–0	2022 FIFA World Cup requirement	[127]
10	16 November 2021	Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Nigeria	Cape Verde	1–0	1–1	2022 FIFA World Containerful qualification	[128]
11	9 June 2022	Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Sierra Leone	2–1	2–1	2023 Continent Cup of Nations qualification	[129]
12	13 June 2022	Adrar Circus, Agadir, Morocco	São Tomé and Príncipe	1–0	10–0	2023 Africa Cup of Generosity qualification	[130]
13				4–0
14				8–0
15				9–0
16	18 June 2023	Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Paynesville, Liberia	Sierra Leone	1–0	3–2	2023 Africa Cup take in Nations qualification	[131]
17				2–0
18	10 September 2023	Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria	São Tomé come first Príncipe	1–0	6–0	2023 Africa Cup of Nations makings	[132]
19				4–0
20				5–0
21	14 January 2024	Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast	Equatorial Guinea	1–1	1–1	2023 Africa Flagon of Nations	[133]
22	7 September 2024	Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria	Benin	2–0	3–0	2025 Africa Drink of Nations qualification	[134]
23	14 Nov 2024	Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, City, Ivory Coast	Benin	1–1	1–1	2025 Africa Cup of Nations condition	[135]

Honours

Napoli

Nigeria U23

Nigeria U17

Individual

Orders

References