Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen Opens Up on the Person Who Changed His Life

 Victor Osimhen has grown into one of Africa’s brightest football stars, but his rise was powered by a foundation of sacrifice, loss, and inspiration from someone very close to him. The Super Eagles forward recently opened up about his childhood struggles and the figure who shaped his attitude, mentality, and path to success.

Victor

Growing up in a challenging environment in Lagos, Osimhen learned early that life would not hand him anything easily. The death of his mother during his childhood and later, the passing of his father in 2020, forced him to shoulder responsibilities many adults struggle with.

“I’m the youngest of seven children. I lost my mother at a young age, and my father passed away in 2020,” Osimhen told UEFA. “When I was little, I had to take care of both myself and my siblings. Fortunately, it prepared me for life.”

While Didier Drogba inspired his football dreams, the person who shaped his mindset wasn’t a global icon, but his older brother, who worked tirelessly to support the family.

“My hero in life is my brother,” he revealed. “He was trying to support us by selling sports newspapers. Seeing his determination taught me to be a hard worker.

Osimhen explained that watching his brother struggle to provide motivated him to dream big and push harder. His journey from selling water on the streets of Lagos to becoming one of the most expensive African strikers is a testament to that drive.

“In football, I took Drogba as a role model… I owe some of my success to him today,” he added, while stressing that his brother remains his greatest real-life inspiration.