Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has sparked mixed reactions between the Yoruba and Edo people of Nigeria following his recent comments about Amala, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian international was born to parents from Edo State, in southern Nigeria. However, he was born in Lagos and spent his entire life in southwestern Nigeria, predominantly occupied by the Yorubas.
In a recent interview, the Galatasaray forward did not shy away from his Lagos roots, identifying as Yoruba rather than Edo in a viral video.
Victor Osimhen doesn’t joke with Amala pic.twitter.com/FZCncHxqIa
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) February 5, 2025
Amala: Osimhen Recommends Yoruba Delicacy
The Napoli-owned forward recently garnered attention when asked about one Nigerian dish he believes everyone should try.
Osimhen, without hesitation, responded: “I grew up in Lagos, and we the Yorubas love Amala, so everyone should try it.”
His statement sparked mixed reactions, with some seeing it as an inclusive remark while others felt he was distancing himself from his Edo heritage.
Osimhen: Edo by Parentage, Yoruba by Upbringing
As mentioned earlier, Osimhen’s parents are from Edo State, but having spent his entire life in Lagos, his lifestyle aligns with that of a typical Yoruba person. However, his Edo heritage remains undeniable.
Osimhen went back to Olusosun, his childhood neighbourhood, to give back on Christmas day.
This is one of many reasons Osimhen should never accept to reduce his wages. He gives back
pic.twitter.com/mGQH9jQLOl— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) December 25, 2024
Despite his rise to the top, Osimhen has never forgotten his Lagos upbringing. Last Christmas, he visited his childhood community in Olusosun, Lagos, where he distributed dozens of tricycles (Keke) and food items to youths and mothers.
Lookman Learns Yoruba from Osimhen
Ademola Lookman shocked the Nigerian football community after winning the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award by greeting the audience in Yoruba.
“We are proud as a group of what we achieved at AFCON. Now, some people speak Yoruba to me. If somebody wants to tell me something, they tell me in Yoruba. Like Victor Osimhen, he would speak to me in Yoruba. But sometimes, if he says something to me in Yoruba and I can reply, then I say it,” Lookman said.
Aside Lookman’s confirmation, Osimhen has also been seen engaging with fans in the Yoruba language, which further shows his deep connection to the Yoruba culture.
Does it really matter what tribe he belongs? What matters is that he is Nigerian. Stop these discriminatory practices, PLEASE!
This is one of the reasons the foreign born players often find it difficult to choose Nigeria ahead of their Country of birth or upbringing because they have adapted to the language and culture respectively. It takes solid decision to change allegiance