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Victor Osimhen’s journey from selling newspapers on the streets of Lagos to leading Nigeria’s attack at the Africa Cup of Nations has made him one of the most-watched players heading into the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C in December, and much of the focus will be on the 26-year-old striker, who has become a regular scorer for both the Super Eagles and Turkish club Galatasaray.
“He is the greatest striker in the world,” head coach Eric Chelle said as Nigeria aims for a fourth AFCON title and its first since 2013.
Osimhen is expected to spearhead an attack that also includes former African player of the year Ademola Lookman, giving Nigeria one of the strongest forward lines in the competition.
Born in Lagos, Osimhen has spoken openly about growing up in poverty.
In a series of social media posts, he described selling newspapers and bottled water to support his family and recalled memories of dusty streets and the stench from a nearby waste dump.
“As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun, who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing in order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream. Words can’t express the joy in my heart; this is a very special moment to me.” Osimhen wrote on X on Dec 12, 2023.
“My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions. The goals, echoes and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest. The support of my amazing family, my fans, most especially my Nigerian supporters and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily.
“Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart, as they have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid. May their souls continue to rest in peace. To my wonderful family, thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your esteemed support.
“To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication in supporting me on the good days and bad days do not go unnoticed; even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me, y’all still stood by my side. I am grateful.”
His football breakthrough came in 2015 after an initially disappointing trial with Nigeria’s under-17 team.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke dropped him, but assistants persuaded him to reconsider. Given a second chance, Osimhen scored 10 goals in seven matches as Nigeria won the Under-17 World Cup in Chile.
Osimhen later credited Amuneke during his acceptance speech for the 2023 African player of the year award in Rabat, saying he would not have achieved the honour without 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,” he told the audience in Rabat.
European scouts spotted him at the youth tournament, leading to a move to Wolfsburg, where he struggled to score. A loan spell at Charleroi revived his form, followed by a prolific season at Lille.
Napoli signed him in 2020 for a club-record 70 million euros, and he played a central role in ending the club’s 33-year wait for a Serie A title in 2023. Transfer links followed to clubs including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and teams in Saudi Arabia, but Osimhen eventually moved to Galatasaray, where he has continued scoring regularly.
At the international level, Osimhen has scored 31 goals in 45 appearances since his debut in 2017. His recent performances include a hat-trick against Benin and two goals against Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite his form, 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, and some supporters blamed the defeat on his absence. Injuries have been a recurring issue in his career, including a serious facial fracture suffered while playing for Napoli, which has often required him to wear a protective mask.
Osimhen will turn 27 on December 29, a day before Nigeria faces Uganda in their final group match.
