Victor Osimhen: From Lagos Streets to Global Stardom “I Knew I Was Going to Be Big"

 

Victor Osimhen: From Lagos Streets to Global Stardom — “I Knew I Was Going to Be Big

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the powerful journey that shaped his rise from the tough streets of Lagos to becoming one of the most feared strikers in world football.

Speaking in a recent interview, Osimhen reflected on how growing up in a football-obsessed community ignited his passion and gave him purpose even in the most difficult circumstances.

Victor Osimhen during his interview with Smallie — reflecting on his journey from the streets of Lagos to the global stage, driven by hustle, belief, and faith. 

According to him, football was more than just a game where he grew up  it was survival, happiness, and escape.

“I grew up in a footballing community. Almost 99% of my friends played football. It was the only thing that gave us happiness. If we weren’t playing football, we were talking about football,” he said.

Osimhen revealed that despite facing financial hardship and not always being able to afford three meals a day, football brought laughter and unity to his environment. That early exposure planted a conviction in his mind that he was destined for the sport.

Victor Osimhen: From Lagos Streets to Global Stardom — “I Knew I Was Going to Be Big

“I already had it in my mind that football is what I want to do. I don’t think I wanted to do any other job. I’ve done almost all the jobs you can think of in Lagos legally. For me, football was the most important thing.”

The Napoli star explained that his background shaped his mentality  both in life and on the pitch. While talent played a role, he believes his relentless work ethic and hunger made the real difference.

“Where I came from shaped my mentality. The talent might be there, but the way I train and hustle on the pitch  it’s impossible for me not to succeed.”

Despite his confidence, Osimhen was quick to give credit to God for his success.

“God has been the architect of it all. Without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That’s why I always say God is the greatest.”

When asked whether he ever imagined he would become this successful after signing his first professional contract, Osimhen responded without hesitation.

“I knew I was going to make it. I knew I was going to be big.”

He explained that while many of his mates were in school, he was already hustling and working to survive. After shining at the U-17 level, several elite European clubs showed interest in him. However, he carefully assessed where he could break into the first team quickly once he turned 18.

That process led him to choose VfL Wolfsburg.

“I picked Wolfsburg myself. I felt it would be the perfect project for me, and I’m happy about that decision.”

However, his start in Germany was far from smooth. Osimhen disclosed that he suffered multiple setbacks, including a meniscus injury and shoulder surgery, which kept him sidelined for months.

“It wasn’t what I expected. My first months there were very difficult because of injuries.”

At one point, he considered leaving on loan. But everything changed when German legend Mario Gomez joined Wolfsburg.

Victor Osimhen learning from a legend — sharing the pitch with Mario Gomez and soaking in every lesson to become the striker he is today. 

“When Mario Gomez came, I told the club administrators I wanted to stay. I knew I still had time, and I wanted to learn.”

Osimhen described watching Gomez in training as a turning point  studying his movements, his touches, how he scanned the pitch, and how he scored “crazy goals.”

“I was like, this is crazy. I’m training with Mario Gomez.”

That hunger to learn and improve has remained with him. He admitted that losing, whether on the streets as a child or on the global stage, has always been unbearable for him.

“Losing is brutal. Even in life, I don’t like it. From small, I don’t like to lose.”

Now regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in modern football, Osimhen insists that every achievement has been earned.

“Every accolade I’ve gotten, every trophy I’ve won  I earned everything. And having teammates with that same mentality is a blessing.”

From struggling to feed properly in Lagos to commanding respect across Europe, Victor Osimhen’s story is not just about talent it’s about belief, hustle, resilience, and an unshakeable conviction that he was destined for greatness.