Reflecting on his difficult journey to success, Victor Osimhen credits his time at Belgian Pro League club, Sporting Charleroi, as a pivotal moment that transformed his career.
Back in 2015, Osimhen’s stellar performance for Nigeria in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he clinched the Golden Boot with 10 goals in seven matches, propelled him into the spotlight.
Despite a less-than-ideal stint at Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg, where he struggled to find the back of the net in 14 appearances, Osimhen’s move to Charleroi marked a significant turning point.
During his loan spell with Charleroi in the 2018/19 season, the then 25-year-old showcased his prowess by netting 12 goals in 25 league games, leading to a permanent deal and a subsequent transfer to Ligue 1 side, Lille.
After a successful season with Lille, Osimhen made his way to Serie A outfit, Napoli, where he flourished as one of the top strikers in the world.
His remarkable performance played a key role in Napoli clinching the Scudetto after more than three decades, with Osimhen scoring an impressive 26 goals in 32 league appearances.
In a statement quoted by Tutto Napoli, Osimhen expressed, “The moment I signed for Charleroi in Belgium stands out as a defining moment in my career. It was a period of growth and learning, having played alongside talented individuals like Draxler, Schurrle, Guilavogui, and Mario Gomez at Wolfsburg. Transitioning to Charleroi, despite initial rejections from other clubs, was a crucial juncture that shaped the Victor Osimhen you see today. It was there that I was given the chance to script my own narrative and kickstart my football journey from scratch. That realization marked the beginning of my rise in the world of football.”