Super Eagles star and 2023 CAF Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, has opened up about his humble beginnings in Lagos and the challenges he faced growing up as the youngest of six children in a one-room apartment.
In a candid interview with media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen spoke from his home about the hardships his family endured and the various jobs he took on to support them.
“At a young age, I had to go out on the street to do jobs legally like selling gala, pure water, I did bus conductor, and I did agent for Baba Ijebu,” he shared.
“I did everything just to earn money to support the family. My elder brother was the one taking care of all of us as he used to sell newspapers at Ojota. Most of the hustling spirit that I have was gotten from him because he is a hard worker.”
Born in 1998 in Olusosun, a densely populated area in Lagos, Osimhen recalled drawing strength from his elder brother, who stepped in to support the family financially after their mother, Christianah Osimhen, passed away.
“My parents stayed in one room with seven children. My mother passed away, she was the one supporting my dad because she had a better job, but both of them were like five and six (cooperative). When she passed away, I saw my dad for the very first time—a grown man like that—crying. My dad is so strong, but the death broke his heart,” Osimhen recounted.
“Imagine telling your wife you’ll see her later when you come back from travel and then you get a call after four or five days that your wife slept and did not wake up. It was a peaceful and sorrowful death; it was devastating for the whole family. She was the one supporting us and helping her husband. After her death, there were challenges for my dad.”
The 26-year-old footballer’s story has resonated deeply with fans, especially after his recent visit to his childhood neighborhood during his holiday in Nigeria. He received a warm welcome from local children who mobbed him in excitement, celebrating the success of one of their own.
Osimhen recently concluded a stellar season with Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and helping the club to a domestic double. Despite transfer speculations, including interest from Manchester United, INEOS—co-owners of the club—are reportedly hesitant to meet Napoli’s asking price and the striker’s reported £300,000 weekly wage.
