Today, the Nigeria and Galatasaray striker is once again at the centre of national expectations as the Super Eagles gear up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, Nigeria will be banking heavily on the 26-year-old’s goals as they chase a fourth continental crown — and their first since 2013.
Head coach Eric Chelle has made no secret of his admiration. “He is the best striker in the world,” the Malian tactician declared, underlining Osimhen’s importance to a squad blessed with attacking depth, including former African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Osimhen’s rise has become one of African football’s most compelling success stories. Born into hardship in Lagos, his childhood was shaped by survival rather than dreams of packed stadiums and silverware. Long before global headlines, he earned small change selling newspapers and sachets of water on the streets to support his family.
Those experiences, he has often said, fuel his hunger. In a series of reflective social media posts, Osimhen shared memories of dusty roads and the overpowering smell from nearby refuse dumps — moments he hopes will inspire young Nigerians facing similar struggles.
The turning point came in 2015, though not without early heartbreak. Initially left out of Nigeria’s squad for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Osimhen appeared destined to miss his chance. Head coach Emmanuel Amuneke was unconvinced — but his assistants urged him to reconsider.
That decision changed everything.
Handed a lifeline, Osimhen exploded onto the global stage, scoring 10 goals in seven matches as Nigeria stormed to the title in Chile. It was a breakout performance that announced the arrival of a future superstar and set him on a path to the very top of the game.
Eight years later, that path culminated in Osimhen being crowned Africa’s best player in 2023. During his acceptance speech, he paid heartfelt tribute to Amuneke, the man who believed when it mattered most.
Now, with his 27th birthday approaching on December 29 — just a day before Nigeria’s final group match against Uganda — Osimhen stands not only as a symbol of personal triumph, but as the Super Eagles’ biggest hope. For a nation dreaming of continental glory, his story is far from finished.
