Victor Osimhen: From Hawking on the Streets of Lagos to Becoming the King of African Football

• Napoli forward Victor Osimhen shared an inspiring story about his life
• The Nigeria striker was crowned African Footballer of the Year by CAF
• Osimhen also helped Napoli reach the last 16 in the Champions League

Victor Osimhen has opened up on his tumultuous journey from the streets of Olusosun to the apex of African football, following his ascension to the throne as CAF's Player of the Year.

The Napoli and Super Eagles star beat Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi to claim the crown from Sadio Mane.

Despite enjoying a successful year in his career, Osimhen - like many other African players - went through many struggles to make it from the continent to the top of football.

Osimhen took to social media to narrate his story, following his success at the awards event this week:

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"As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun, who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing [up] in order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a treasure in Africa and world football was a wild dream. Words can’t express the joy in my heart, this is a very special moment to me."

For the 24-year-old, football was a means of survival for himself and his family, and regardless of the many setbacks, he had to strive to make it.

"My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions. The goals, echoes and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the critics, hate, and pains of defeat hit me hard in the chest. The support of my amazing family, my fans most especially my Nigerian supporters and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily," he added.

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Osimhen was first noticed after winning the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup with Nigeria. He moved to Europe at a tender age, where he signed for Wolfsburg despite interest from some of the best teams in the world.

The Nigerian ace later played for Charleroi in Belgium and Lille in France before his big-money move to Napoli, per Transfermarkt.

However, Osimhen admitted that the loss of his parents had permanently scarred his hear.

"They have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid, may their souls continue to rest in peace. To my wonderful family, thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your esteemed support. To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication in supporting me on the good days and bad days [does] not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me you all still stood by my side. I am grateful."

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Osimhen inspires Napoli to victory against Braga

Sports Brief also previously reported on Osimhen marking his top CAF award with a goal for Napoli against Sporting Braga in the UEFA Champions League.

The Nigerian international was crowned the best men's player in Africa ahead of Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.