It is no longer news that the former LOSC Lille forward rose from humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.

The Napoli-owned Super Eagles forward—currently on loan at Galatasaray—has captured the hearts of the Nigerian football community, as well as fans worldwide, with his incredible talent.

To mark this special occasion, here are 26 fun and fascinating facts about the Nigerian star.

1. Full Name: Victor James Osimhen.

2. Date of Birth: December 29, 1998.

3. Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria.

4. Position: Centre-forward.

5. Height: 185 cm (6 ft 1 in).

6. Playing Foot: Right-footed.

7. Early Life: Osimhen faced significant hardships growing up, including the loss of his mother at a young age. To support his family, he worked as an errand boy in his neighborhood.

8. Youth Career: He began his football journey at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos.

9. International Debut: Osimhen made his senior international debut for Nigeria in June 2017 under the guidance of Gernot Rohr.

10. 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup: He won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball award, scoring 10 goals and two assists which helped Nigeria secure the title.

11. Transfer to Europe: In January 2017, Osimhen officially signed his first professional contract with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.

12. Lille OSC: In 2019, Osimhen transferred to French club Lille for a reported €12 million.

13. Napoli Transfer: In 2020, he moved to Serie A side Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million.

14. Serie A Achievements: In the 2022–23 season, Osimhen finished as Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals, which set a new record for an African player in the league.

15. Serie A Title: His goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in Napoli winning their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022–23 season.

16. Individual Honours: He was named Serie A Footballer of the Year in 2023.

17. African Footballer of the Year: In 2023, Osimhen became the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

19. National Team Impact: Osimhen’s performances were crucial in Nigeria reaching the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were runners-up to Ivory Coast.

20. Personal Honours: On May 29, 2023, he was made a Member of the Federal Republic by President Muhammadu Buhari.

21. Family: Osimhen has a daughter called Haly.

23. Transfer speculations: In 2024, reports indicated that Osimhen was a prime target for Chelsea, with discussions about a potential transfer.

24. Contractual Details: In 2024, Osimhen secured a move to Galatasaray on loan, with a unique clause allowing him to leave in January.

25. Jersey number: Osimhen typically dons jersey number 9, but he has recently expressed a distinct preference for jersey number 45, which he considers his lucky charm.

26. Philanthropy: He is involved in charitable activities.

After a brilliant season with Belgian side, Charleroi, Osimhen joined the four-time French Champions for a fee of around €13m in 2019 and immediately hit the ground running at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.

The Nigerian forward scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 games during his first campaign with the French side and immediately attracted the big European clubs. As revealed by Transfermarkt, Osimhen eventually joined Napoli for a fee of €77.5m.

However, Létang recently told L’Equipe TV that the club earned way less than what they sold the striker for due to the presence of third parties.

“The net amount, considering the player’s purchase, four players valued at €20m, but who were worth nothing, intermediaries and commissions, was €7m, more or less. We earned a lot more with the following operations because there were no more commissions, retro-commissions, intermediaries,” the 52-year-old said as revealed via Gazzetta.

Authorities in Italy and France are currently investigating Napoli’s deal to sign Osimhen from LOSC Lille in 2020 while he’s currently on loan with Turkish Super Lig side, Galatasaray.

“Napoli has already been judged on this matter with two different levels of the justice system that cleared the club and directors, finding no irregularities. Napoli is the only club where the Prosecutor did not ask for the judgment to be revoked, which then led to Juventus having first a 15-point and then a 10-point Serie A penalty,” he said in quotes revealed by Football Italia.

While the proceeds of the ongoing investigation are currently unknown, Osimhen will be hoping the eventual outcome will not affect his future transfer when his loan spell at Galatasaray comes to an end.

The 25-year-old joined the Neapolitans during the 2020 Summer transfer window from LOSC Lille for a few in the region of €77 million and from there appeared to be one of the key players in the club’s Serie A title victory after 33 years.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Napoli Centrale, Mantovani disclosed that he originally scouted Osimhen during a Champions League match between Ajax and Lille, while focusing on Ajax’s full-backs.

“I happened to see him in a Champions League match between Ajax and Lille. But, in reality, we were there to observe Ajax’s full-backs, Mazraoui on the right and Tagliafico on the left. When I got back, I made my report on the game and noted that there were two other strong players: one was Soumaré, a midfielder, and the other was Osimhen. This striker who ran a lot, covering the entire area—maybe he even ran too much (he laughs). But he was truly unstoppable.” He said as quoted by Tutto Napoli.

Mantovani admitted that, despite the clear talent of the Napoli-owned Galatasaray forward, he did not fit the profile Napoli required for a striker at the time.

“The full-backs were strong, but I also noted that Osimhen wasn’t the player who fit our needs at that time” he added.

However, the signing of Osimhen came after Napoli’s Coppa Italia win under Gennaro Gattuso, who wanted a more dynamic, fast-paced approach.

With this new playing style, Gattuso requested a forward who could exploit spaces and add depth to the attack. Mantovani’s team revisited Osimhen, recognising him as the perfect fit for Gattuso’s vision.

Today, the Nigeria international stands as one of Serie A’s most formidable strikers, where he has proved pivotal in the rise of the Naples-based club.

The former Nigerian international who had an outstanding career with LOSC Lille, took to social media to celebrate this significant milestone, expressing his gratitude and joy.

Enyeama’s connection with Lille dates back to July 2011, when he transferred from Israel to join the French club. His remarkable skills quickly earned him the No. 1 shirt for the 2013-2014 season, under coach René Girard.

Alongside a robust defensive lineup, Enyeama achieved an extraordinary feat of 11 consecutive clean sheets from September to December 2013, a period during which Lille’s defense became nearly impenetrable.

During his tenure from 2011 to 2017, Enyeama made 164 appearances and maintained 65 clean sheets, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history. His performance included a near-record streak of 1,062 minutes without conceding a goal, just shy of the Ligue 1 record.

Now, Enyeama’s legacy is poised to continue as his son steps into the spotlight with Lille’s U18 team. Sharing clips of his son’s goalkeeping prowess, Enyeama’s pride was palpable.

His social media post, accompanied by the caption “God is the greatest. Home sweet home. Back home in a different skin,” drew enthusiastic reactions from fans and former teammates alike.

Watch the video here:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Enyeama Vincent (@vincentenyeama001)

Ex-Super Eagles player, Ogenyi Onazi commented, “I am so happy to see this, I just can’t stop smiling. The future is here.” and Super Falcons legend Desire Oparanozie added, “Things we love to see.”

It is expected that Young Enyeama will continue to develop in Lille, and could be one of the future players to don the colours of the Nigerian Super Eagles.

“I went to Lagos to see the Under-17 World Championship. After seeing him in one game he had convinced me: I called my CEO every night to take him, I told him that within two years he would become one of the best in Europe, but the price was too high for a seventeen-year-old and finally went to Wolfsburg. In the last twenty meters, Osimhen is like a cat when you throw a ball at him, it’s incredible, he attacks them all,” the Portuguese said in 2019

The 42-year-old was born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father before moving to Benin City as a two-year-old. He returned to complete his secondary education and during that time, joined the CSKA Moscow Academy.  He returned to Edo State at the age of 17, staying with his dad who worked as an Insurance doctor,

Born in Uzbekistan to a Russian Mum & Nigerian Dad before moving to Benin City as a two-year-old.

Peter Odemwingie returnedto complete his secondary education. He joined the academy of CSKA Moscow.

Returned towhere his dad was Insurance doctor

Spoke to #OldNaijaFootball pic.twitter.com/l2z6bSuQ3o

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) July 8, 2024

Speaking in an interview with Old Naija Football, the former West Brom striker revealed why he opted to start his football career with Bendel Insurance in the NPFL.

“I arrived at Benin City at the age of 17. I saw Pius Ikedia and Julius Aghahowa in training. They were fantastic players, and I learned from them. We had Augustine Eguavoen, who was our General manager at the time, so there were a lot of people to learn from. Chukwudi Nwogu played for the U-17 National team at the time, so things like this got me excited about football, and I saw these guys every day. Karimu Shuaibu played for the Eaglets at the World Cup and returned with the kit. Those were things that provoked me to work hard, so I saw international people in front of me on a daily basis,” the ex-Super Eagles versatile attacker said.

“I had the first-hand experience of watching these people play at the Ogbe Stadium in the Nigerian league, so that’s why I said if these guys started here and became international and went on to Europe to have careers, I can too. So, I followed that path, and I always advise people not to expect things to fall on their table. Some people don’t believe I played in the NPFL. I travelled by road to Maiduguri and to all these spots, from the furthest points in the North to Port Harcourt. I scored against Sunshine Stars in Akure and Pepsi Academy in Kaduna. I’ve done it all. So, I know all the corners of the elite and the ghettos of football in Nigeria. I played in the Nations Cup in Ajegunle, too,” Osaze concluded.

Osaze recently completed a course from the Professional Golfers Association school, as he set sights on another profession in Sports.

The 18-year-old striker was a part of the Beyond Limits team that defeated Congo’s C.N Brazzaville to become the first African winner of the Viareggio Cup in Italy. He scored five goals and provided an assist in that tournament, averaging a goal contribution every fifty minutes.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Victor Osimhen’s former employers have agreed to sign Shina Ayodele for the upcoming 2024/2025 season, although there are still finer details yet to be completed, the move is sealed.

Lille have agreed deal to sign 2006 born Nigerian talent Adeshina Ibrahim Ayodele from Beyond Limits Academy.

Anderlecht and also Dutch clubs wanted him but now set to join Lille. pic.twitter.com/gzvgGM2sA9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2024

Shina was a core member of the Beyond Limits Football Academy team that emerged victorious in the NNL play-offs, securing a promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League ahead of next season, where they will compete in the Nigerian top tier alongside their parent club, Remo Stars.

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These incredible set of players have gained entrance to the country’s topflight league, the NPFL! #NNL24Super8 | #NoLimits pic.twitter.com/YZdVNWxbf6

— Beyond Limits FA (@Beyond_LimitsFA) June 12, 2024

Inter Milan’s Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is also a product of the Beyond Limits Football academy. He made his debut for the 2010 treble winners in the just-concluded season.

The Nigerian striker joined Napoli from LOSC Lille in 2020 and has established himself as a formidable force, scoring 76 goals and making 18 assists in his 133 appearances for the club.

According to veteran Nigerian journalist Lolade Adewuyi, the 25-year-old attacker may have said his goodbyes to the Neapolitan fans in their final Serie A clash at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

“Victor Osimhen has played his last match for Napoli, all things being equal. After leading the team to their first title in 33 years last season, he bids farewell as we all await the big destination announcement. This summer transfer window will be interesting,” Adewuyi wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.

Osimhen played 26 minutes in the scoreless draw against Lecce, unable to change Napoli’s fate as they finished 10th in the Serie A standings and missed out on European championship qualification for next season.

The Super Eagles star has been heavily linked with a move away from Diego Maradona Stadium, with Chelsea reportedly keen to secure his signature to bolster their squad for the next season.

Earlier reports suggest that Osimhen has a pre-agreement with the Stamford Bridge outfit and is eager to pursue his dream of playing in the English Premier League, rather than returning to Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain has shown interest.

While Osimhen’s camp has not yet commented on the speculation surrounding his move, the upcoming summer transfer window is highly anticipated as fans watch to see who will leave Naples.

The 25-year-old had a great time with the Italian club last season, claiming the Serie A Golden Boot and winning the Scudetto.

In 23 league games this season, Osimhen has scored 15 goals and provided three assists, showing consistency in front of goal.

The former LOSC Lille man penned a new deal with the three-time Italian Champions late last year. The deal runs till the end of the 2025/2026 season and has a release clause in the region of €130m.

Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been reported to be interested in the 2023 CAF Player of the Year award winner.

Italian transfer expert, Gianluca Di Marzio, however, revealed that a move to London is the striker’s preference.

“It’s not that this possibility to play in France excites Osimhen who has already played there with Lille. Playing with PSG is different because you can play matches like the Champions League semi-final that the Parisian club played against Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal and Chelsea are the two teams that could sign Osimhen and as long as this possibility is available, he will wait,” the transfer expert said on Sky Italia as per Calcio Napoli.

Chelsea have put forward a €90m+Romelu Lukaku offer in exchange for the former Wolfsburg striker meanwhile Arsenal are going to have a hard time competing as they don’t have the financial prowess.

“Napoli’s new sporting director, Manna, is talking to Chelsea to assess whether there is room to close and include Lukaku in the possible Osimhen deal. I’m not so sure Osimhen will eventually play in France with PSG. He often goes to English when he has a day off and enjoys being there with his friends,” Di Marzio added; hinting at Osimhen’s potential destination in the summer.

Napoli are currently 8th on the Serie A table and have three more games to salvage a place in Europe next season. They’re five points below Lazio who are in seventh place.

Earlier rumours had circulated that Chelsea was considering offering Napoli the Belgian international plus another young player and €90 million in exchange for the Super Eagles striker.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has debunked any ongoing negotiations, putting an end to the speculation surrounding the two goal poachers.

Osimhen has been a standout performer for Napoli since joining the club four years ago, amassing an impressive record of 76 goals and 18 assists in 131 appearances for the Naples-based club during his tenure.

While Osimhen’s stellar performances have attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli is reportedly holding out for a significant fee before considering any potential transfer.

Furthermore, recent claims made by Gianluca Di Marzio suggesting that Chelsea had initiated negotiations with Napoli for a swap deal involving Osimhen and Lukaku were promptly debunked by Romano.

He clarified that Chelsea has not commenced negotiations for Osimhen and is not directly negotiating with Napoli for Lukaku’s inclusion in any potential deal.

While acknowledging Chelsea’s appreciation for Osimhen, Romano stated that the club is exploring various striker options, with PSG also expressing interest in the Nigerian forward.

As of now, Chelsea has yet to finalize their decision on acquiring a new striker, and Romano mentioned Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig as another player on their radar.