Nigerian footballer Odion Ighalo has called on fellow Nigerians to stand by Victor Osimhen during a challenging period in the young striker’s career. Ighalo expressed his dismay at some of the harsh comments directed at Osimhen, who has faced criticism from his compatriots. No human being is perfect, and we have all made mistakes in life. But seeing the comments about this young man from his countrymen saddens me, Ighalo shared on social media. He mentioned that he had spoken with Osimhen and could hear the pain in his voice due to the way he’s been treated.
Osimhen, who replaced Ighalo in the Nigerian national team, is currently in a difficult situation with his club Napoli. The club, where he is contracted until June 2026, has not registered him for the new season, and if he remains with the team, he will only train with the U19 squad. Despite this, Ighalo remains optimistic about Osimhen’s resilience, stating that he will come back stronger. We learn every day in life.
Editorial
We must reflect on how we, as a nation, treat our heroes in their moments of need. Victor Osimhen has been a beacon of hope and pride for Nigeria, displaying extraordinary talent and dedication on the football field. Yet, in his moment of vulnerability, some have chosen to cast stones when he needs our support the most. This reaction speaks volumes about our collective tendency to rush to judgment without understanding the full picture.
As Nigerians, we must uplift and encourage those who proudly wear our nation’s colours. Osimhen’s current predicament with Napoli is a reminder that even the most gifted athletes face challenges beyond the pitch. These are the times when our words and actions should be a source of comfort, not added pain. Ighalo’s call for support is not just about Osimhen it’s about how we treat our fellow Nigerians in their adversity.
We believe in the resilience of Victor Osimhen. His story is far from over, and with our collective support, he can return to the field stronger and more determined than ever. Let us choose to be a part of his comeback story rather than contributing to his downfall. In doing so, we not only support a young man but also uphold the values of unity and empathy that should define us as a nation.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen was the top scorer in the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, leading Nigeria to victory.
- Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli in 2020 was one of the most expensive African player transfers, costing over €70 million.
- He grew up in a poor neighbourhood in Lagos, selling sachet water on the streets to help support his family.
- Osimhen was named the Serie A Best Young Player for the 2021–2022 season due to his outstanding performances.
- Despite his challenges, Osimhen remains a strong advocate for education and often speaks about the importance of staying in school to young Nigerians.
