September 01, (THEWILL) – Nigerian international football star, Victor Osimhen’s rise to prominence is a tale of talent, perseverance and remarkable achievements. From his early days in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, to becoming the focal point of Napoli’s historic Scudetto-winning team, his career trajectory has been exceptional. However, the recent developments at Napoli, especially with the arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea and the appointment of Antonio Conte as manager, have placed Osimhen in a precarious position that could significantly impact his future.
Osimhen’s football journey began on the streets of Ajegunle, where his performances in youth competitions demonstrated his immense potential. His big break came when he moved to Europe, first to Germany and then to France, where he played for Lille. At Lille, he proved his ability as a lethal striker, netting 18 goals in all competitions during the 2019/2020 season. His performances were so compelling that Napoli broke their transfer record to sign him in the summer of 2020 for a fee reportedly in the region of €70 million. The investment was justified as Osimhen quickly became Napoli’s most important player, culminating in a historic 2022/2023 season where he led the club to its first Serie A title since the days of Diego Maradona.
With 26 goals in the league, Osimhen not only became the Capocannoniere but also the first African player to win this prestigious award. His contributions to Napoli’s success were undeniable, yet controversies have not been far from his story.
The Italian media’s tendency to emphasise the contributions of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, his Georgian teammate, often at Osimhen’s expense, has been a source of frustration. Kvaratskhelia’s impact was significant, but the narrative that saw him being nicknamed “Kvaradona,” in homage to Maradona, often overshadowed Osimhen’s pivotal role. Moreover, Napoli’s official social media accounts became embroiled in controversy over posts that were perceived as racially insensitive towards Osimhen, further straining the relationship between the player and the club.
As the European transfer window opened, speculation about Osimhen’s future intensified after he handed Napoli a transfer request. Chelsea fans had been vocal in their desire to see him move to Stamford Bridge, a move that would have aligned with Osimhen’s long-standing ambition to play in the English Premier League. There were also reports linking him to Paris Saint-Germain, where his previous experience in Ligue 1 could have served him well. Despite these rumours, no significant interest came from Paris. The potential move to Chelsea did not happen too because the EPL side was unwilling to meet Osimhen’s wage demand after reaching a deal with Napoli.
As things now stand with the EPL summer transfer window now formally closed, Osimhen’s only transfer option will depend on whether Napoli and Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia can work out a deal before the Saudi window closure next week, even though the Italian club had earlier rejected their offer according to reports.
The arrival of Lukaku, a player with whom Antonio Conte had a successful working relationship (at Inter Milan), has raised legitimate concerns about Osimhen’s role in the team.
Conte’s preference for Lukaku could lead to significantly less playing time for Osimhen, especially given the Italian coach’s known tactical rigidity. For a player of Osimhen’s calibre, being frozen out at this stage of his career could have long-term consequences.
Osimhen is now clearly in a potentially awkward position and I can feel his frustration with the situation.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious investment in football has made the Saudi Pro League an increasingly attractive destination for top players. The financial incentives are substantial and the league has already attracted a host of global stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar.
For Osimhen, a move to Saudi Arabia could provide both financial security and a platform to continue playing at a high level. Given his age, 25, a stint in Saudi Arabia could serve as a lucrative interlude before a potential return to Europe, perhaps even to the Premier League, in a few years.
Beyond the immediate financial rewards, Osimhen must also consider the broader implications of such a move. The substantial earnings from a Saudi contract could be a game-changer for his long-term financial stability. It is imperative that he and his advisors take a strategic approach to managing these earnings. Diversifying his investment portfolio would be crucial in securing his financial future. Investing in real estate, both in Europe and America’s top markets, could provide a stable and appreciating asset base. Property investments have long been a favoured option for athletes looking to build wealth beyond their playing careers.
In addition to real estate, Osimhen should consider investing in ventures that align with his personal values and interests. For instance, he could explore opportunities in technology startups, particularly in sectors like fintech, which have shown significant growth in Africa. This would not only offer financial returns but also allow him to contribute to the economic development of his home country. Another avenue worth exploring is the establishment of football academies in Nigeria. This would serve a dual purpose: creating a sustainable business model and giving back to the community by nurturing the next generation of Nigerian football talent.
Osimhen’s financial planning should also include setting aside funds for philanthropic activities. By establishing a foundation or partnering with existing organisations, he can make a meaningful impact in areas such as education, healthcare, and sports development in Nigeria. This would enhance his legacy beyond football and ensure that his success translates into tangible benefits for others.
At this critical juncture in Osimhen’s career, it is essential that he maintains focus and discipline. The examples of players like Paul Pogba and Mario Balotelli serve as cautionary tales of how off-field distractions can derail a career. In contrast, African football legends like Mikel Obi, Didier Drogba, Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu offer valuable lessons in maintaining professionalism and making sound decisions that ensure longevity in football and relevance beyond it. Osimhen would do well to emulate their approach, focusing on continuous improvement, avoiding controversies and making decisions that serve his long-term interests.
Indeed, while the situation at Napoli presents significant challenges for Osimhen, it also offers an opportunity for careful reflection and strategic decision-making.
The coming days will determine the future of Nigeria’s golden striker and I wish for him that the Saudi Arabia deal works out so he can earn substantially more and enjoy a lot of playing time.
