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Tag: Victor Osimhen

  • President Weah hails Osimhen’s marksmanship as Eagles reach AFCON finals

    President Weah hails Osimhen’s marksmanship as Eagles reach AFCON finals

    Seated in the presidential box as Nigeria tackled Sierra Leone in the Day 5 game of their group for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, President George Oppong Weah of Liberia could not stop singing the praises of Super Eagles’ forward Victor Osimhen.

    Following his excellent season in which he scored 25 league goals to steer SC Napoli to their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years, President Weah, the 1995 World, European and African Footballer of the Year had penned a personal letter to Osimhen asking him to keep working hard and breaking new grounds.

    On Sunday, as he sat in the presidential box of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville with Nigeria’s Ambassadors to Liberia and Sierra Leone (Excellencies Godfrey Odudigbo and Henry Omakwu respectively), President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Board Members Rt. Hon. Nse Essien and Sunday Dele-Ajayi, among others, Weah could not stop singing Osimhen’s praises.

    The Napoli forward did not disappoint, with an outstanding performance, scoring in the 20th and 33rd minutes to steer Nigeria into a 2-0 lead.

    “That is what I call a striker. Good positioning always. Very athletic and knows where to be each time the ball is coming. He is so strong and a fighter par excellence.”

    The Nigeria forward is now the leading scorer in the qualifying series with seven goals, and has now racked up an impressive tally of 17 goals in 25 matches for Nigeria at senior level.

    Osimhen’s seven goals in this qualifying campaign include the one goal he scored against Sierra Leone in Abuja in June 2022 to eventually give Nigeria a 2-1 win and three points on the first day of the series, and four of the 10 goals against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco few days later, on a day Nigeria set a new international win-record.

    Apart from President Weah, members of the Nigerian community in Liberia as well as other ecstatic fans of Osimhen from Liberia and Sierra Leone trooped to the window area of the Super Eagles’ dressing room trying to force it open while shouting: “We want Victor!”

    Osimhen’s two goals took Nigeria in front before Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo drew level, but in added period, Kelechi Iheanacho made good from a dashing run by Zaidu Sanusi that stunned the Liberian defence.

    Victory took Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals with 12 points, with a match to spare, alongside second-placed Guinea Bissau, on 10. The Leone Stars crashed out with only five points.

    Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mali are the 14 countries that have qualified for Cote d’Ivoire 2023, with the remaining 10 to emerge in September.

    Nigeria will host group whipping boys, Sao Tome and Principe in a purely academic exercise in September.

  • FIFA honours Victor Osimhen

    FIFA honours Victor Osimhen

    The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has honoured Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this coming after Osimhen bagged the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

    In recognition of his performance, the Super Eagles striker was presented with a personalised ball and shirt by Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Director Member Associations Africa.

    “Victor Osimhen, you represent at the moment what football can do.

    “From Lagos to Napoli where people love you, you have suffered, but your love for football and determination have guided you.

    “Keep going, keep pushing. Africa needs examples and millions are watching and dreaming,” Fernandes wrote.

    https://twitter.com/GelsonFernandes/status/1665804912632946688

  • NFF congratulates Super Eagles’ forward, Victor Osimhen on MFR award

    NFF congratulates Super Eagles’ forward, Victor Osimhen on MFR award

    Both the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi have also congratulated Super Eagles’ forward, Victor James Osimhen who has been conferred with the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.

    Osimhen’s name appeared on number 23 of those conferred with MFR as the list was released on Sunday.

    “The football industry has been given ample recognition this time and we commend our father, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for this. The award to Osimhen means that even as a football player, you can be honoured by your country for exceptional service and also for the way you represent the country abroad.

    “We are proud of Osimhen and what he has done and continues to do with Napoli SC in Italy and for the Super Eagles.”

    Dr. Sanusi added: “Ever since he won the FIFA U17 World Cup as record goalscorer, Osimhen has continued to rise in leaps and bounds through hard work, dedication and discipline. We believe this award will spur him to do even more for the Super Eagles and to continue to be a good ambassador of Nigeria Football internationally.”

    Osimhen has been the star-man for Napoli SC of Italy as the team won its first Italia Serie A title in 33 years a few weeks ago, and only on Sunday scored his 25th league goal of the season for the club.

  • Serie A: Napoli increase Osimhen’s asking price to €160

    Serie A: Napoli increase Osimhen’s asking price to €160

    Napoli football club  have reportedly increased Victor Osimhen’s asking price to ward off suitors.

    Osimhen inspired the club’s first Serie A title since 1989.

    Italian outfit, Il Matino said the Azzurri have increased the asking price of the Nigerian from €150 to €160 in anticipation of a bidding war for the 24-year-old striker this summer.

    Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Osimhen in the summer transfer window.

    Despite Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis repeatedly saying the club would not sell Osimhen this summer, it is understood that the Serie A side will do business if they receive a lucrative offer for the striker.

    Osimhen is currently the top goalscorer in the Italian top flight with 23 goals in 27 appearances this season.

  • Fabio Capello draws Osimhen, Haaland comparison

    Fabio Capello draws Osimhen, Haaland comparison

    Italian football legend and former AC Milan manager, Fabio Capello has said that Victor Osimhen and Erling Haaland share the same similarities.

    Both players have enjoyed moment playing as point man for Manchester City and Napoli respectively.

    Osimhen has scored 28 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli.

    The 24-year-old is now the highest-scoring African in the Italian top-flight after surpassing the old mark set by former AC Milan striker, George Weah.

    Norway international, Haaland has netted 51 times in 47 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City.

    The forward recently broke the record for most goals scored in a single season in the Premier League.

    “I don’t think Haaland is under pressure, because he has anger inside,” Capello told Sky Italia per Napoli Magazine.

    “He lives for goals. Osimhen has the same thing, they live for this. They fight, they want to win, they help their teammates and they transmit this determination that makes you win games.”

  • “He is marked for stardom” – Nigerians react as Osimhen wins Serie A title

    “He is marked for stardom” – Nigerians react as Osimhen wins Serie A title

    Nigerian football fans in Ebonyi State have hailed Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, over his Italian Serie A title feat with Napoli Football Club of Naples, Italy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osimhen’s 22nd goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with Udinese on Thursday night handed Napoli their first title in 33 years.

    The league title win with five games to play was the club’s first since the late Diego Maradona’s inspired feat of 1990.

    A cross section of fans interviewed by NAN on Friday in Abakaliki said that the feat was a bright spot in the gloom that has surrounded Nigeria’s football recently.

    Ikenna Odo, a Member of the Ebonyi Football Association, said that it was heartwarming for the historic occasion to be centered around Osimhen.

    “Victor has continued to be the shinning light of the nation’s football, churning impressive displays for his club weekly.

    “He had weathered the early storms of Italian football such as its physical approach and racism, to become the toast of fans across the country,” he said.

    Chief Julius Unya, a soccer historian, said that Osimhen was marked for stardom since his eye-popping displays at the FIFA Under-17 world cup in Chile, 2015.

    “Osimhen was second overall best player of the competition with the silver ball award and scored 10 goals, a record for the cadet world cup,” he said.

    Chima Achi, a Business man and Soccer Enthusiast, urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to duly award its best player award for 2023 to Osimhen.

    “The Nigerian striker has garnered all the plaudits since the start of the current European season with sublime goals and breath-taking displays.

    “We pray that what happened in 1998 would not repeat when Nigeria’s Augustine Okocha clearly deserved the award but it was given to Mustapha Hadji of Morocco,” he said.

    Mrs Rachel Obi, a Female Football Coach in Ebonyi, urged Osimhen and other Super Eagles players to replicate such club forms in the Super Eagles.

    “We unfortunately do not see such commitment and scintillating displays with their various clubs, in the Super Eagles.

    “The Eagles could not have been in their present wretched situation if the players play for the team with their hearts,” she said.

    Football fans urge Osimhen to replicate club form for country

    Meanwhile, the football fans called on Osimhen to replicate club form for the national team as Napoli bag Serie A title on Thursday night.

    Some fans who spoke in an interview in Ilorin on Friday celebrated Osimhen and Napoli for the great feat.

    Mr Thomas Ibenjo,said he wished Osimhen can replicate his Napoli form in the super eagles.

    ”I am happy for Osimhen for winning the Serie A in style. How I wish he can  replicate the form in super eagles and drive us to glory again.

    ”He is instrumental to Napoli winning the Scudetto. We want him to also bring the form home to our darling super eagles and drive us to glory,” he said.

    Olukunle Abiola said Osimhen has made a significant impact in his club but much is expected of him at home.

    ”He has performed excellently in Napoli this season. We the super eagles fans now want him to come and do same  at home,” he said.

    On his path, Ahmed Usman said he started supporting Napoli because of Osimhen who always give him Joy.

    ”I fell in love with  Napoli because of Osimhen. I tried to watch all their matches because of his work rate and agility in every match.

    ”All I want from him now is to come and win the African Cup of Nation (AFCON) for Nigeria. Nigeria need him to come and write his name in golden pen,” he said.

    Mr Femi Babatunde said   that Osimhen has won the heart of Napoli fans but yet to win the hearts of Nigerian fans.

    He said Osimhen was  becoming more popular in Italy than Nigeria because of his performance.

    ”Osimhen should come home and win our hearts. Nigeria is your home and we deserve to celebrate major trophy during your own time,” he said.

    Osimhen scored in the  52nd minute away to Udinese on Thursday night to hand Napoli its 3rd Serie A title after 33 years.

    Napoli garnered  80 points from 33 games while   second-placed Lazio are on have 64 points ,with five games left in the season.

  • Ligue 1: PSG consider Mbappe, Osimhen partnership

    Ligue 1: PSG consider Mbappe, Osimhen partnership

    Paris Saint-Germain are considering acquiring Victor Osimhen to partner with Kylian Mbappe upfront next season in the French Ligue 1

    The Parisians are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Victor Osimhen that will see the striker join from Napoli in the summer.

    Osimhen’s performance in the current season for Napoli has been very impressive, scoring 26 goals in 32 games.

    Napoli are on the verge of winning its first Serie A title in 30 years.

    Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda is close to reaching an agreement with Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain.

    The player, according to French news hub, Foot Mercato doesn’t, however, favour a move to the Parc des Princes.

    Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also interested in the Nigeria international.

    PSG’s sporting director, Luis Campos has established contact with Calenda in recent weeks.

    Meanwhile the 24-year-old has expressed his desire to play in the English Premier League.

    Last month, he said: “I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world is an amazing feeling for me.

    “A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I’m in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.”

    He added: “I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League some day but like I said, it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well.”

  • Peter Okoye pays Osimhen a visit in Italy ahead AC Milan UCL clash

    Nigerian music superstar, Peter Okoye has repaid Osimhen’s visit in faraway Italy.

    The hip-hop artiste stormed the city of Naples in Italy ahead of Tuesday’s (today) UEFA Champions League clash between Napoli and AC Milan.

    Okoye will be at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona to support his friend, Victor Osimhen, later tonight.

    Okoye announced his arrival in the city of Naples via his verified social media platform.

    Osimhen’s Napoli will trade tackles with fellow Serie A side AC Milan at Napoli Stadium on Tuesday night.

    “Reporting LIVE from Napoli?? to support my G @victorosimhen9 #NapoliVsAcMilan ????,” Okoye wrote on his Twitter handle, accompanied by a short video.

    Osimhen will be hoping to help Napoli overturn a first-leg 1-0 deficit and secure a place in the semi-finals.

    The 24-year-old missed the first-leg with a muscle injury.

  • I want to be next Victor Osimhen – ABS youngster

    I want to be next Victor Osimhen – ABS youngster

    Newly signed striker of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, Malik Surajudeen, says he wants to be the next Victor Osimhen to come out of Nigeria.

    The 17-year-old 1.82-meter tall attacker, who joined ABS Ilorin FC from La Planet Sport Academica, revealed this in an interview on Thursday in Ilorin.

    Surajudeen told NAN that he has devoted a lot of time trying to watch and learn from Osimhen, who is arguably the best African player in the ongoing 2022/2023 season.

    “I want to be the next Victor Osimhen, I love everything about him and his playing style.

    “He is strong, fast, creative and score lot of goals. I have also read that he took him some time to burst into the global stage, so I’m ready to take my time too.

    “Even though I have never met him, I see him already as a role model that I want to follow his footsteps.

    “I want to be committed to my club (ABS), the way Osimhen is committed to his club and country,” Surajudeen said.

    He said even though he like watching the duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, Osimhen remain his idol.

    The striker said after his move to ABS, he is now focused on helping the Ilorin based Nigeria National League (NNL) side to gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    “It is tough here at ABS because we have a lot of young talented players, so, if you don’t work very hard, you may not be playing regularly.

    “So, I’m aware that I need lots of discipline and hard work to achieve my goals. It is a new system completely at ABS and I’m looking forward to doing well for the team.

    Recall that 24-year-old Osimhen has been in spectacular form in the ongoing season scoring 21 times in 23 matches and assisted four times only in the serie A.

    Osimhen’s current form is on the brink of landing Napoli its first Serie A title since 1990, when it last won it.

  • Serie A : Napoli gives update on Osimhen’s injury

    Serie A : Napoli gives update on Osimhen’s injury

    Victor Osimhen  resumed training with his Napoli teammate on Thursday and may be available for selection for the Partenopei’s next Serie A  game on Saturday.

    The pointman has been ruled out of Napoli’s last two games due to a muscle injury he sustained while on an assignment for Nigeria.

    The 24-year-old also sat out Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan at the San Siro.

    The Partenopei provided an update on Osimhen’s fitness on their official website on Thursday.

    “Osimhen did part of the group work and part individually on the pitch,” reads the statement.

    The 24-year-old is expected to make an appearance in Napoli’s Serie A clash against Hellas Verona on Saturday.