Victor Osimhen's Family Story: From Poverty to Triumph at "Napoli"

How Victor Osimhen became a "Napoli" leader with the support of his family, overcoming childhood hardships in Lagos.

Victor Osimhen is one of the most coveted players today. This renowned "Super Eagles" striker has become a global name, although less is known about the Victor Osimhen family and the role they played in his life journey. This article delves into the details of the Victor Osimhen family.

Before the birth of Victor, who arrived on December 29, 1998, his parents and six siblings moved to Lagos, Nigeria's economic center, in search of better opportunities. Due to financial difficulties, they settled in the area of Olusosun, located at the Oregun/Ojota axis. Olusosun, notorious for its landfills and harsh living conditions, was far from an ideal environment. Toxic emissions and unpleasant odors from the dumpsite made life difficult. It was in this environment that young Victor was born. The Osimhen family faced serious financial challenges as their limited income was hardly enough. Tragically, his mother passed away in an accident while trying to earn a living by selling sachet water. This tragic loss was compounded when shortly after, his father, Patrick Osimhen, lost his job.

To cope with these hardships, all seven Osimhen children began working small jobs. Young Victor sold sachet water in the scorching Lagos heat to support his family. Victor's oldest brother, Andrew, sacrificed his dream of becoming a footballer, taking up menial jobs so that Victor could finish primary school. Despite his father's initial hopes for him to become a doctor, Victor chose to follow his passion for football, inspired by his idol, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. Andrew wholeheartedly supported this decision, and their father eventually came around as well.

As Victor rose to fame following the 2015 U-17 World Cup, both Patrick and Andrew became his agents. Their unwavering support was crucial in his rise to global stardom. Today, Victor Osimhen is not only the 2023 African Footballer of the Year but has also become the breadwinner of his family, ensuring their financial independence, a complete contrast to their earlier struggles.

Although his parents are no longer alive, the relatives who supported Victor during tough times now enjoy the fruits of their perseverance. This story showcases how the challenges faced by the Osimhen family, starting with their move to Lagos, have ultimately turned into blessings. Victor's professional career has brought a better future to each family member, fulfilling their dreams they worked so hard to achieve.

Victor Osimhen's parents hailed from Esan South Local Government Area of Edo State in southern Nigeria. His father was Elder Patrick Osimhen, while his mother was Christiana Osimhen. The "Super Eagles" forward’s mother died when he was still young, and she did not live to see her son's success. However, Victor's father died in 2020 at the age of 80, having lived to enjoy his son's accomplishments as Victor was already playing for "LOSC Lille" in France.

Victor was raised in the district of Olusosun, known for its unfavorable status among Lagos residents. Patrick Osimhen, his wife Christiana, and their children, including Victor with two brothers and four sisters: Andrew, Samson, Gloria, Esther, Joy, and Blessing, lived in that locality during their most challenging years. Andrew, the eldest of the siblings, sold newspapers on the roadside in Ojota, the neighborhood next to Olusosun.

During times when the family barely had enough to eat, Andrew rose at 4 a.m. to collect newspapers and hit the streets for rush hour. He did this every day to help sustain the family and to support his youngest brother Victor's schooling. After the tragic loss of their mother and the fact that their father also lost his job at that time, Andrew stepped up to be the breadwinner, setting aside his own dream of becoming a footballer. It is believed all of Osimhen's siblings pitched in somehow to make ends meet and to support him, although specifics about the others' tasks are not known aside from the eldest son.

The world got a glimpse of Victor's relatives during "Napoli's" 2022/23 Serie A-winning campaign, where Victor emerged as a key figure in the club's success. During the Scudetto celebration at the "Diego Armando Maradona Stadium" in Naples, fans discovered Victor had flown over 20 people from Nigeria, including his entire family, friends, and childhood coach, to celebrate his achievement.

Victor's gesture during the moment of joy and laughter showcased his true nature and his desire to always remember those who made his success story possible. From a humble street hawker in Lagos, Victor etched his name into club and international football's history books. He continues to set records as he contemplates leaving "Napoli" in the summer of 2024, looking to create new memories elsewhere. With his family, friends, and loved ones staunchly supporting him, there is no limit to what the "Super Eagles" striker can achieve and what the future holds for him.