Napoli's Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen (L) celebrates with former coach Gennaro Gattuso (R) after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match Napoli vs Atalanta at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, on October 17, 2020. (Photo by alberto pizzoli / AFP)
Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
Napoli’s fans cheered loudly as their team advanced towards their first Serie A championship in over 30 years, which would also be their third title in history. The Nigerian star player, Victor Osimhen, was the driving force behind their success.
His electrifying performances on the pitch have earned him not only the adoration of Napoli fans but also the attention of top European clubs.
But in the match against Udinese, he truly cemented his place in football history. Osimhen secured Napoli’s long-awaited victory with a single penalty strike, propelling himself to new heights of fame and fortune.
But Osimhen was just getting started. In their next match against Fiorentina, he scored his 47th goal of the season, breaking Liberian legend George Weah’s long-standing record for the highest-scoring African player in Serie A.
It’s a remarkable achievement for a player who is just 24 years old, and Osimhen is not about to slow down.
With only four matches left, Osimhen could become the first African player to win the top-scorer title in the history of Italian football.
He is already four goals ahead of Argentine Lautaro Martinez, who poses the closest competition for the top scorer’s place.
Further, his impressive form has caught the attention of some of the world’s biggest clubs.
After Bayern Munich reportedly dropped out of the race to sign him, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain are all vying for his signature.
Valued at close to US$200 million, Osimhen could become the most expensive African player in history in the upcoming summer transfer window.
But Osimhen remains grounded despite his success. In a statement after the match against Fiorentina, he expressed his gratitude to Weah for paving the way for African players in Italian football.
“I celebrate this milestone with everyone who has inspired and supported me in this journey… God is the greatest,” he said.
It’s not just football fans who have taken notice of Osimhen’s incredible talent. Football legends from across Africa have also praised him for his exceptional performance this season.
Didier Drogba, the legendary Ivorian and Chelsea striker, acknowledged the incredible growth that Osimhen has shown throughout the season.
“From the streets of Nigeria to the World’s History books… congratulations my brother to you and your club,” he wrote.
Former Chelsea forward Michael Essien wrote “Bravoo” in a post accompanying a picture of Osimhen.
Osimhen’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and talent.
From his humble beginnings in grassroots football in Nigeria, he has become one of the most popular players in the world of football.
His name notably rose to the international football limelight in the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup, where he scored ten goals in seven games, winning the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards.
Since then, the young star has seemed unstoppable. As he continues to break records and dazzle fans, there’s no telling just how far he will go. Perhaps remarkably, he has kept his focus in the process. And right now that focus is to pull off the best possible performances in the remaining league matches.
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