Enter The Big stars of the Africa Nations Cup 2025: unfolding the super icon of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Galatasaray marksman Victor Osimhen

•Brought to you by Cerutti Media in association with Mudi Africa

" The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step"- Italian proverbs 

Victor Osimhen burst onto the global stage as a relentless striker whose blend of pace, power and poise has made him a household name across Africa and Europe. Born on December 29 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria, he grew up in the bustling neighbourhood of Olusosi, where street football was the norm and a pair of worn‑out boots was a prized possession. From a young age, Osimhen idolised the likes of Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, mimicking their celebrations after each goal he scored on makeshift pitches.

His talent did not go unnoticed for long. At 15, he joined the academy of the Nigerian side, Wolf FC, before moving to the Bundesliga with Schalke 04 in 2015. The German experience sharpened his tactical awareness, but it was his move to Wolfsburg in 2017 that gave him regular first‑team minutes. A standout season in 2018‑19 saw him net 14 league goals, earning a reputation as a clinical finisher and catching the eye of Italian giants, Lille OSC, who secured his services in 2019.

Osimhen’s spell in France was brief but explosive. In just one Ligue 1 campaign, he scored 18 goals, earning the league’s Young Player of the Year award and a transfer to reigning Serie A champions, SSC Napoli, for a club‑record €70 million in 2020. At Napoli, he quickly became the focal point of the attack, combining physicality with technical skill. The 2021‑22 season saw him score 26 Serie A goals, earning the Capocannoniere (top scorer) title and cementing his status as one of Europe’s most feared forwards.

His performances in Italy did not go unnoticed on the continent. In 2022, Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year, beating off competition from the likes of Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez. The award recognised not only his 30‑goal haul across all competitions that year but also his humility off the pitch, where he regularly engaged in charitable work through the Victor Osimhen Foundation, focusing on education and healthcare for underprivileged children in Nigeria.

The following summer, Galatasaray broke the Turkish transfer record to bring Osimhen to Istanbul, a move that signalled the club’s ambition to dominate both domestically and in European competition. Though his first season was hampered by injuries, he still managed 12 goals in 22 Süper Lig appearances, helping Galatasaray clinch the league title and cementing his reputation as a big‑game player.

Internationally, Osimhen has been a pillar for the Nigerian Super Eagles. Making his senior debut in 2017, he quickly became the team’s primary striker, leading the line with a blend of strength and speed that few defenders can handle. His brace against Ghana in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finals turned the tide, and his decisive goal against Senegal in the semi‑final secured Nigeria’s place in the final, where they ultimately finished runners‑up.

As the 2025 Africa Nations Cup approaches, Osimhen’s experience and leadership are expected to be crucial. Having scored 15 goals in the qualifiers, he is the top scorer and a clear threat for any defence. Fans across the continent are eager to see if he can finally lift the trophy for Nigeria, a feat that would complete a remarkable rise from the streets of Lagos to the pinnacle of African football.

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Mudi Africa is proud to partner with us to bring you the inside story of Victor Osimhen’s journey—from a young boy chasing a ball in Olusosi to a global superstar poised to make history with the Super Eagles. Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage as the tournament unfolds.

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