Galatasaray and Super Eagles marksman Victor Osimhen has asserted that his inevitable rise to wealth was fueled by an unrelenting work ethic forged in the “trenches” of Lagos, rather than purely by his footballing talent. During a widely publicized Twitch session with comedian Carter Efe on Friday night, the 27-year-old striker—currently in Nigeria recovering from a fractured forearm—shared a deeply personal look at his journey from menial labor to European stardom. Osimhen noted that the “hustle” he developed as a youth, which included selling bottled water in traffic and digging wells, would have guaranteed him financial prosperity in any legitimate venture he pursued.
The African Footballer of the Year attributed his professional breakthrough to a dramatic turning point in 2018. After a frustrating spell at German club VfL Wolfsburg and facing rejection from two other Belgian teams, Osimhen’s career was salvaged by a last-minute loan move to Charleroi. Reflecting on that high-stakes period, he emphasized how close he came to a different path:
“The way I hustled hard back in the trenches, even if I didn’t make it in football, I would still have made money like crazy. I was very determined, hard working and passionate. I did a lot of menial jobs and never turned down any legit opportunity of making money. I was rejected twice in Belgium, two clubs. With just three days left in the transfer window, another club, Charleroi made everything happen. That was the turning point.”
The conversation also touched on the intersection of football and Nigerian pop culture. When asked to compare his net worth to Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido, Osimhen declined to comment on individual finances but took the opportunity to laud the trio for their role as global ambassadors. He argued that the international success of Nigerian music provides a “bragging right” for Nigerians abroad, creating a positive perception of the country that many at home might not fully grasp.
“I have met Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, on several occasions. They are giving our country positive image around the globe. It is a thing of pride to hear Nigerian songs in foreign clubs. Nigeria is so blessed with a lot of talented artists. A lot of Nigerians don’t know how valuable our artists are because they haven’t travelled overseas, but those of us who are there know that they are doing a good job for the country.”
As he continues his rehabilitation in Lagos, Osimhen’s reflections serve as a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian spirit. By bridging the gap between his humble beginnings in Olusosun and his current status as a global icon, the striker highlighted that while football provided the platform, it was his “lethal determination” that truly secured his future. With the Super Eagles set for friendlies against Iran and Jordan next week—which Osimhen will miss due to his injury—his off-pitch insights have provided fans with a rare glimpse into the mindset of a player who refuses to be defined solely by his sport.
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