The 21-year-old rose from obscurity to become the most expensive African player in history thanks to a composure that belies his young age
Victor Osimhen has attributed the composure and self-confidence he displays on the pitch to his former coach at the youth level, Emmanuel Amuneke.
Then Nigeria U-17 coach Amuneke discovered Osimhen during the national cadet team’s camping ahead of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
A lot of mental and physical preparations helped turn the rough diamond into a jewel of high esteem, as Osimhen netted an unprecedented ten goals to lead the Golden Eaglets to glory at the tournament proper.
Aside from a barren spell at Wolfsburg, Osimhen has been on an upward goalscoring trajectory in Europe.
The former Golden Eaglets star scored 38 goals in 37 matches at Sporting Charleroi in Belgium before scoring 18 times in all competitions for Lille during an excellent single season in France.
A big-money move to Napoli followed this summer, with the 21-year-old already contributing three goals (two goals + one assist) to Il Partenopei’s cause this term.
And Osimhen has credited former Barcelona winger Amuneke for shaping his mindset and imbibing lasting confidence in him.
“Amuneke has set my mind in this direction, and I was happy to have played under him. And to be able to handle this pressure,” Osimhen told TheCable.
“The confidence I have comes from him [Amuneke], and I will say kudos to him for everything he has prepared my mind towards. And everything is coming to reality right now.
“The most important thing is for you to be humble while knowing what you want to do. And, of course, there will be a lot of criticisms.
“And regardless of the criticisms or pressure, I am always calm in my head because I believe in myself so much, and I believe in the quality I possess. Which is important and my hard work also, which made me to prove those that doubted me wrong.”
Osimhen has played in all Napoli’s Serie A matches this season except for last Sunday’s game against AC Milan due to injury.
The young striker picked up the injury on international duty when Nigeria managed a disappointing 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone on November 13.