Victor James Osimhen MFR (born 29 December 1998) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. Considered one of the best strikers in the world, as well as one of the best players in the world, he is known for his elite finishing, pace, strength and athleticism.
On the 11 December 2023, Osimhen was awarded the Best male Player of the year in Africa at the 2023 CAF award night, the first Nigerian since Kanu Nnamkwo in 1999, 24 years earlier.
He was ranked number 8 in the 2023 Ballon d'Or award which was held in Paris, France and became the first Nigerian to make the top ten of the Ballon d’Or. On the 11th of December, 2023, Osimhen was awarded the Best male Player of the year in Africa at the 2023 CAF award night, the first Nigerian since Kanu Nnamkwo in 1999.
Osimhen won the Golden Boot award at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Nigeria won. He made his senior international debut in June 2017 and played at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He is currently the fourth all-time highest goalscorer of the Nigeria national team.On 29 May 2023, Osimhen was made a Member of the Federal Republic by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Here are 10 Lessons To Learn from his Success Story.
*✅Resilience in Adversity:* Osimhen's story teaches the importance of resilience in the face of challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
He once told me that while growing up in Olusosun, Lagos, his family was the poorest around. They needed to fight for everything. He had to work very hard, sell newspapers, do all kinds of menial jobs to earn a living as side hustles while playing football. That is what has built him into the strong, energetic, pacy and powerful striker that he is today. Much more than that, he has so much fight inside of him.” – Oma Akatugba (Journalist and Osimhen’s long-term friend).
*✅Determination to Succeed:* His journey emphasizes the power of determination and the willingness to put in the effort needed to achieve one's goals.
To achieve our Goals in life whether personal goals or professional goals we must be determined to succeed. To Sell your products or services you must be determined to succeed to attract customers for your business or brand.
His most inspiring zero-to-hero life trajectory reminds one of the wise words by Garth Stein, the best-selling author of ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’. And that is: “The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph but whether he can overcome obstacles”. Talking about obstacles, John Harold Johnson, (now of blessed memory) the then publisher of the soar away ‘Ebony Magazine’ stated succinctly that: “The greater the obstacles we overcome, the greater the glory we achieve”.
*✅Continuous Improvement:* Osimhen's success suggests that a commitment to continuous improvement and learning is crucial for sustained success. You cannot rest on your past efforts or past glory you must continuously improve , learn to keep growing to get to the Next level.
*✅Seizing Opportunities:* Recognizing and making the most of opportunities is a key lesson, as Osimhen capitalized on chances to showcase his talent.
Nelson Mandela rightly stated: “The greatest glory in living, lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Despite the fact that his father wanted him to become a medical doctor he chose instead to pursue his career in the soccer world. As fate would have it, he was one of the thousands of ambitious youngsters given only 15 minutes to prove their mettle at the 2014 Nigeria Under-17 team screening held in Abuja by coach Amuneke.
Within that short period he scored two goals! Yet, that feat was not enough to convince the coach, Amuneke who was reportedly stressed out. With a wave of hand he sent Osimhen and the others away. But God’s plans for our lives, once we keep struggling against daunting odds will always pave the way forward.
Not only did he get selected into the Nigeria Under-17 WC team, but went on to win the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the 2015 FIFA U-17 Golden Boot (Highest Goal Scorer), the 2015 FIFA Silver Shoe Award (Second Best Player), making him the beautiful bride of global soccer, similar to the status he has held unto, as at this day.
*✅Mental Toughness:* Success often requires mental strength. Osimhen's story underscores the significance of staying mentally tough during difficult times.
That reminds us of the prayer of the unforgettable patriot, Tai Solarin, (of blessed memory) who stated that: “may your road be rough!” Osimhen lost his mother at a young age of 13. His father lost his job three months after he lost his wife! Challenging circumstances compelled them to move from a 2-bedroom flat to a one-room stifling abode. Though they lived, as severally reported close to one of Lagos state’s biggest refuse dump sites in Olusosun, that sordid situation spurred him on to have the larger picture. To survive, he, along with his siblings had to hawk “pure water”, oranges and newspapers along Ojota road, Lagos state.
*✅Professionalism:*
Demonstrating professionalism in conduct and work ethic is essential, as Osimhen's success is not just about talent but also about professionalism.
Osimhen, who bagged SerieA’s Player of the Month of March, 2023 has also become the first Nigerian to achieve double figures in 2 consecutive Serie A seasons. It is little of a surprise therefore, that he has become the costliest player in Italy; the costliest African player in Italy, the most valuable player at Napoli and the Serie A highest goals scorer! But it has not always been that rosy.
*✅Adaptability:* Being adaptable to different environments and challenges is vital, especially in the dynamic world of professional football.
Just at the age of 24 years he has literally hit the bull’s eye. The energetic, ever focused, lanky lad recently achieved the fantastic feat for his team Napoli to win their first Italian League title in 33 years!His lone but epic-making goal from the penalty spot granted SSC Napoli their first win since 1990. It set not only the stadium in frenetic frenzy but got the football world celebrating one of the world’s greatest emerging soccer icons.
*✅Team Collaboration:* Success in a team sport like football relies on effective collaboration. Osimhen's story emphasizes the importance of teamwork. You cannot achieve great things as one man army you must collaborate with others to achieve any Massive Goal in life.
*✅Balancing Confidence and Humility:* Striking a balance between confidence and humility is a valuable lesson. Osimhen's success is accompanied by a grounded attitude. It is noticed also in him even as a Top star how humble he is till date.
*✅Bonus Tip Philanthropy:*
One significant issue that stands out is his decision to help people with disabilities in Nigeria and Africa at large, citing Sadio Mane, the Senegalese soccer superstar and cheerful giver as his source of inspiration.
As several clubs are currently eager to break the bank to sign him for the next set of seasons, the lasting lessons to learn from his success story are profound. We must identify our God-given talents and hone them, against all odds to become the best that we can be. That is no matter the obstacles we encounter. As rightly stated by Ray Kroc, who bought over the Mcdonald’s franchise “persistence pays!”
Setting and Pursuing Goals: Osimhen's journey is a testament to the significance of setting clear goals and actively working towards achieving them.
Thanks for your attention and please enjoy your day Happy Weekend.
*Dr Laide Okubena*
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