The story of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile will not be complete without the name of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen being mentioned.
The youngster has scored 7 goals in 4 games so far in the competition and he does not show any sign of slowing down, but he says winning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s highest goal scorer is not as important as helping Nigeria retain the title it won in UAE 2013.
In this interview with cafonline.com, Osimhen gives a peek into his life. Enjoy…
“I really hustled on the streets of Lagos and toyed with the idea of doing so many things initially,”
“I sold things like sachet water in the traffic but I knew the only thing I wanted to do was playing football though I have other talents.
“I love music; I can compose and sing very well too but playing football is all that I have wanted to do. I like rap music and one of my favourite artistes is Olamide and I like this particular track sitting on the Throne.”
“Though I was born with the talent, I also learned playing football by watching my elder brother.”
“He (my brother) used to play as a striker for the senior team of a neighborhood club. I joined the club later and I aspired to be better than him.
“He didn’t play football for long because he was also a newspaper vendor on the streets in Lagos. Nothing interested me than playing football and I really thank God for where I’m today.”
“I prostrated before coach Amuneke after the goal against USA to show appreciation for all what I have learned under him,” he noted. “He has so much belief in me though he had never told me before until the game against the USA and thank God, I scored in that match.”
“Playing for the Golden Eaglets has boosted my confidence but I don’t see myself special amongst my team mates. I dreamt about playing for the national team and gradually, I have settled down into the U-17 team.
“I really thank God for helping me to be part of this team. In school, I played in some competitions but there is nothing like playing for the national team.
“Success of the team comes first and it is always my aspiration to always score goals for the team when I’m given the opportunity to play,” noted Osimhen who has a fond admiration for former African Footballer of the Year and Ivorian legend, Didier Drogba.
“Drogba has always been a source of inspiration for me because he is the type of player that doesn’t give up and I like his fighting spirit. He is very passionate; always serious on the field and whatever circumstance, he would try and score for his team.”
“I think the second goal I scored against Zambia in Niger was very good because it was a good example of what coach Amuneke had been telling us in training: accuracy before power. It was great tournament for us because we achieved our objective of qualifying for the World Cup in Chile.”
“My priority is not to be the top scorer at this FIFA U-17 World Cup. When Nigeria won the tournament in 2013, the top scorer was not from Nigeria. Rather, it would be a thing of joy if Nigeria can retain the title.”
Four-time winners Nigeria plays three-time winners Brazil on Sunday in the quarter finals of the competition, at the Vina Del Mar stadium.