The recent clash between Victor Osimhen and former Super Eagles coach Finidi George has exposed deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s football circles, particularly regarding player commitment and management’s handling of injuries.
The conflict erupted when Finidi George, facing criticism over the team’s poor performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, allegedly questioned Osimhen’s dedication after the striker missed crucial matches due to injury. Despite Osimhen’s documented ankle injury sustained while playing for Napoli, Finidi reportedly suggested that the player could have still participated.
Osimhen, visibly upset, responded vehemently during an Instagram Live session, revealing that he had informed Finidi about his injury and even provided evidence through screenshots and videos of his conversations with the coach and medical professionals. He expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of support and understanding from the coaching staff, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to playing for both club and country.
“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them,” Osimhen stated, reflecting the personal nature of the dispute. His comments highlighted a breakdown in trust and communication between the player and the former coach, further exacerbated by Nigeria’s disappointing results in recent matches.
The incident has stirred significant debate among fans and analysts, underscoring broader issues of accountability and player welfare within Nigerian football. As the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) navigates these tensions and seeks a new direction with a foreign technical adviser, addressing these internal conflicts will be crucial for the Super Eagles’ future success and harmony within the squad.
Here is a table with the requested details about Victor Osimhen:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Victor James Osimhen |
| Birth date | December 29, 1998 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Age | 25 (as of 2024) |
| Current club | Napoli |
| Height | 1.86 meters (6 feet 1 inch) |
| Marital status | Single |
| Parents | Mother: Deceased; Father: Elder Patrick Osimhen |
| Salary | €12,820,000 annually (approximately €246,538 per week) |
| Net worth | Estimated between $10 million and $12 million as of 2024 |
| Source of income | Football salary, endorsements, performance bonuses, and investments |
Table of Contents
Who is Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen, born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, has emerged as a formidable striker in international football. His journey from the bustling streets of Lagos to the grand stadiums of Europe is a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. Growing up in a challenging environment in the Olusosun area of Lagos, Osimhen faced significant hardships early on, including the loss of his mother at a young age and his father’s subsequent unemployment. Despite these difficulties, his passion for football shone through.
Osimhen’s football career began at the Ultimate Strikers Academy, where his raw talent was nurtured. His breakthrough came in 2015 during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he led Nigeria to victory by scoring a record-breaking ten goals, earning him the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball awards. This performance put him on the radar of numerous European clubs.
In January 2017, Osimhen signed with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany. However, his time there was marred by injuries and illness, which hindered his progress. A loan move to Charleroi in Belgium for the 2018-2019 season proved pivotal. There, he rediscovered his form, scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances, which led to a permanent move to Lille OSC in France.
At Lille, Osimhen’s talent flourished. In the 2019-2020 season, he scored 18 goals in all competitions, attracting the attention of top European clubs. In 2020, he transferred to Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million, making him one of the most expensive African players in history. His impact at Napoli was immediate; he became a fan favorite with his dynamic style and goal-scoring prowess.
Osimhen’s performances have not only been crucial for his clubs but also for the Nigerian national team. Since making his senior debut in 2017, he has scored several important goals, establishing himself as a key player for the Super Eagles.
The Struggles of Victor Osimhen to Stardom
Victor Osimhen’s rise to stardom is a tale marked by significant struggles and triumphs. Osimhen’s early life was steeped in hardship. He grew up in Olusosun, a community surrounding one of the largest landfills in Lagos. Despite the harsh living conditions and the toxic environment, Osimhen’s passion for football shone brightly from a young age.
Osimhen faced numerous challenges growing up. His mother passed away when he was still very young, and shortly afterward, his father lost his job. This placed a heavy burden on Osimhen and his siblings, forcing them to take up various jobs to support the family. Osimhen himself sold bottled water in the bustling traffic of Lagos, ran errands, and took on any work he could find to contribute to the household. These early struggles played a crucial role in shaping his character, instilling in him a relentless drive and resilience.
His football journey began in the streets of Lagos, where he played with scrunched-up water bottles instead of a proper ball. He played for local youth teams, starting with Olusosun United and moving to Synergy Ultimate and Ultimate Strikers Academy, where his talent started to draw attention.
His big break came In 2014, at the age of 15 when he was scouted by Shira Ayila and invited to try out for Nigeria’s U-17 national team. Osimhen faced a critical moment when he was dropped from the Ultimate Strikers team. This setback did not deter him; instead, it led to a pivotal opportunity.
Osimhen was invited to participate in trials for the Nigerian U-17 national team, an event held in Abuja, over 300 miles from Lagos. With no means to travel by plane, Osimhen and five others endured a grueling 10-hour drive in a cramped car to attend the trials. Despite the limited time on the pitch during these trials, Osimhen’s talent shone through, earning him a spot on the team coached by Emmanuel Amunike.
The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile was the turning point in Osimhen’s career. His remarkable performance, scoring 10 goals in seven matches, not only helped Nigeria clinch the championship but also set a new tournament record. This success earned him the Golden Boot as the top scorer and the Silver Ball as the second-best player. His exploits at the U-17 World Cup caught the attention of numerous European clubs, setting the stage for his move to Europe.
In January 2017, Osimhen signed with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany. However, his time in Wolfsburg was fraught with challenges. He arrived with a knee injury and soon contracted malaria, which further hampered his progress. Struggling to find his place in the team, Osimhen’s stint at Wolfsburg was marked by limited playing time and a lack of goals.
A loan move to Charleroi in Belgium during the 2018-2019 season proved to be a turning point. At Charleroi, Osimhen rediscovered his form, scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances. This successful spell led to a permanent move to Lille OSC in France, where he continued to impress with his goal-scoring prowess, netting 18 goals in his debut season.
In 2020, Osimhen’s journey took another significant leap when he signed with Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million. His time in Serie A has been characterized by both success and adversity. Despite suffering injuries and contracting COVID-19, Osimhen’s impact on the pitch has been undeniable. His goals were instrumental in Napoli’s 2022-2023 Serie A title win, the club’s first in 33 years. This achievement, coupled with his consistent performances, earned him the title of African Footballer of the Year in 2023.
Off the pitch, Osimhen remains connected to his roots, often reflecting on his challenging upbringing and actively engaging in charitable activities to support youth empowerment and community development in Nigeria. His journey from the streets of Lagos to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering determination.
Victor Osimhen: Net Worth and Sources of Income
Since his transfer from LOSC Lille to Napoli on September 1, 2020, Victor Osimhen’s net worth has seen a significant increase, thanks to his impressive goal-scoring abilities as a forward. His career has been marked by remarkable achievements and lucrative contracts, making him one of the wealthiest and most sought-after footballers in the world.
Career Overview:
Victor Osimhen has played for four clubs: VfL Wolfsburg, Charleroi, Lille, and Napoli. As of now, he has scored a total of 112 goals in 218 games. His talent first gained international attention during the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile. However, his club career reached new heights after his move to Napoli in 2020.
In his first two seasons with Napoli, Osimhen scored 28 goals in 62 appearances. The 2022/23 season was a turning point, as he scored 26 league goals in 32 appearances, helping Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. He finished the season with 31 goals in all competitions, becoming the highest-scoring African in a single Serie A season.
Osimhen also played a crucial role in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as the top scorer in the qualifiers with 10 goals. His performances earned him numerous individual awards, including:
- Best Striker in Serie A (2023/24)
- Serie A Footballer of the Year (2023)
- African Footballer of the Year (2023)
- AFCON 2023 Qualifiers Top Scorer
Net Worth and Earnings:
Victor Osimhen’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $12 million as of 2024. This valuation is a result of his substantial earnings from football and endorsement deals. After his outstanding 2022/23 season, Napoli extended his contract on Christmas Eve 2023, which significantly boosted his salary and overall net worth.
The new contract, running until the summer of 2026, increased his weekly wages to €246,538, making him the highest-paid Nigerian footballer. According to Capology, his annual earnings amount to €12,820,000. This lucrative deal also includes a release clause set at £113 million ($143 million), highlighting his high market value.
Sources of Income:
- Football Salary: Osimhen’s primary source of income is his football salary. His contract with Napoli places him at the top of the club’s payroll, with an annual income of around €12.8 million.
- Endorsements: Osimhen is an ambassador for several top brands, which contributes significantly to his net worth. These endorsement deals enhance his income and increase his visibility off the pitch.
- Bonuses and Performance Incentives: His impressive goal-scoring record and individual accolades also bring in substantial performance bonuses, adding to his overall earnings.
- Investments: Like many professional athletes, Osimhen has likely made investments that generate additional income, although specific details are not publicly available.
Market Value and Transfer Speculations:
Osimhen’s performances have attracted interest from top clubs around the world. Premier League giants Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing him. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has set a high transfer fee, making it clear that any potential suitor would need to meet the £113 million release clause.
