Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, accomplished a historic achievement by leading his team to their first Serie A title in 33 years while also becoming the league’s top scorer, making him the first African player to achieve this feat.
The night before Napoli received their Scudetto title, I had the opportunity to join Victor for a quiet dinner at the Hotel Paradiso’s restaurant, overlooking the Amalfi Coast as fireworks illuminated the sky during the Italian Republic Day weekend.
As enthusiastic fans gathered around, Victor remained composed, posing for photos and exchanging smiles with each individual. However, my patience began to wane, and I gestured with my hands, thanking the crowd but signaling that it was time to proceed. Eventually, we managed to whisk Victor away to sit down for our interview.
Following the interview, we indulged in dinner, and Victor finally found his voice, expressing himself freely. Seated beside him was his older brother Andrew, while his agent Roberto Calenda, childhood friends from Nigeria, three Nigerian journalists, and Napoli journalist Vincenzo Credendino and his brother Emanuele completed our gathering.
The interview had taken some time to commence due to a woman who had spotted Victor at the reception and requested a photo with her son. Soon, her husband joined in, and within moments, a crowd of approximately 30 people had formed, all eager for a chance to capture a moment with the Serie A’s Golden Boot winner.
Shortly before this encounter, Inter Milan had emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Torino in their final game of the season. However, Lautaro Martinez failed to surpass his 21-goal tally, rendering Victor’s 25 goals unassailable. As a result, he not only claimed the prestigious title of top scorer but also became the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2008/09 to achieve the dual triumph of winning the Scudetto alongside the Capocannoniere.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Victor expressed immense pride, stating, “I am one of the proudest individuals this season. I wake up every morning with a sense of fulfillment. That’s why you see a different kind of celebration because when you’re accustomed to success, it can lose its value. But when you desire success and finally attain it, you truly understand its meaning.”
He continued, “Many people considered Napoli to be underdogs this season. So, when you rise from obscurity and secure such a prestigious victory, you savor every aspect. It’s like you want to celebrate every day. At my house, the fans set off fireworks regularly. It’s truly incredible.”
Recognizing his remarkable contributions to football, Victor Osimhen was honored with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government, in addition to being named Serie A’s best striker of the season. His achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport and brought immense pride to both Napoli and Nigeria.
