The Lille forward rose from the slums of Lagos to become a world champion with the Golden Eaglets, but he still rates something else higher than that achievement.
Victor Osimhen has revealed that nothing makes him happier than seeing his family living comfortably and far away from the life of penury they used to know.
Osimhen’s goals powered the Nigeria under-17 team to win the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, the country’s 5th title at the tournament. The prolific striker smashed in ten goals – the most in history – in just seven matches to take home the competition’s Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards.
An incredible 2015 also saw the Lagos-born forward claim the CAF Youth Player of the Year award. After initial struggles in Europe, Osimhen got back to the scoring groove with Royal Charleroi before he made the move to join Ligue 1 side Lille.
He has since shown brightly in the French topflight and the UEFA Champions League, with his exploits attracting interests from top clubs in Europe.
Yet, none of these achievements beats how money made from football has helped him lift his family out of poverty.
“Yes, I won the World Cup and the golden boot for my country in 2015, but what ranks as the biggest success was taking my family out of the slum and giving them a deserved better life,” the 21-year-old was quoted by the NewFrame.
“Nothing else gives me more satisfaction in life than seeing them smile and laugh at last. Comfort is not hearing the fans scream my name but my family having a reason to be happy at last. I still want to do more for them.”
Osimhen was in action at the weekend but his best efforts couldn’t help Les Dogues avoid a home defeat to a Neymar-inspired PSG.