Nigerian star opens up on his humble beginnings, Champions League dreams, and love for Galatasaray
By Lagos Panorama Sports Desk
Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, has opened up about his journey from the slums of Olusosun in Lagos to becoming one of Europe’s most admired footballers, describing how his tough upbringing shaped his character and determination.
In an interview with UEFA, Osimhen reflected on his early struggles, his deep affection for his new club Galatasaray, his ambitions in the UEFA Champions League, and the people who inspired him to succeed.
“I came from a very poor background. I’m the lastborn of seven. I lost my mum at a very young age, and my father passed in 2020,” Osimhen recounted. “Before I became someone important in life, my childhood was really tough. I had to work hard to help my siblings and my father after my mother died.”
The Nigerian international, who once sold sachet water and newspapers on the streets of Lagos, credited the Olusosun community for building the resilience that defines him today.
“Olusosun shaped me to become the kind of person I am today. It taught me life lessons that have helped me through life’s journey,” he said. “That’s why whenever I return to Nigeria, I always visit to show gratitude and to inspire young kids there — to let them know that if I could make it out of this place, they can too.”
“Galatasaray fans are unbelievable”
Speaking about his move to Galatasaray, Osimhen described the reception he received in Istanbul as one of the most emotional moments of his career.
“I arrived in Istanbul and I had never seen anything like it in my life. Thousands of fans were waiting for me at the airport — some were tracking flights in the middle of the night,” he said. “When you see that kind of love and dedication, you just want to give your all for the badge. I absolutely love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them — the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
“We want to make a statement in Europe”
Osimhen also spoke about his team’s ambitions in the UEFA Champions League, saying Galatasaray is determined to establish itself as a major force in European football.
“I spoke with the president when I arrived here — we want to make a statement in the Champions League. We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show the world that we can do amazing things in Europe,” he said.
“My brother and Drogba inspired me”
The 26-year-old forward credited his late elder brother and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba as the two people who most influenced his life and career.
“My brother was my hero in life. He sold sports newspapers on the roadside in Lagos, and his work ethic inspired me to hustle hard,” Osimhen revealed. “In football, it was Drogba. I tried to model my game after him — his strength, his mentality, his leadership. I owe a lot of what I am today to him.”
From the dusty streets of Olusosun to the dazzling lights of the Champions League, Victor Osimhen’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose — a testament to the power of dreams and hard work.
