Sunday, 04 February marked a historic moment in the life of the 24-year-old artist – a day in which he will meet his football icon, Victor Osimhen – reigning CAF African Footballer of the Year.
He would never have believed that his talent would lead him to meet the object of his creation. At 24, Al Bayan is a Togolese paint artist and member of the Togo Artists association, who uses his passion for art to create fantastic works around football players.
“His face exudes a lot of personality and strength. We see that he is a determined person who is on a mission for his country and who wants to be an example for African youth, that is also what motivates me.”
The Super Eagles communications team warned the Nigerian of the artist’s arrival: “Victor finishes lunch and he will come directly to see you” says the team’s media officer. Smiling and trembling legs, Al Bayan waits: “I can’t believe he’s just a few meters from me.”
Ten minutes later, the magical moment finally takes place. With an apple for dessert in his hand, the Italian champion approaches the Togolese: “How are you? It seems you want to see me? he smiles.
After shaking the footballer’s hand, the artist offers his work to the Neapolitan. Touched by this gesture, the attacker spent minutes admiring his portrait: “It’s very beautiful my brother, I really appreciate it. I think I know where I’m going to hang it in my house”, said the Nigerian star.
A suspended moment for Al Bayan: “I still have difficulty realizing. He is real as I imagined and very kind.”
After a few selfies between the two, the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Cote d’Ivoire 2023 semi-finalists returns to his room with this new gift in hand.
