Victor Osimhen’s journey from Lagos streets to global stardom is serving as a powerful inspiration for 16 year old Alynho Haidara, the current top scorer at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON in Morocco. Haidara, who represents Côte d’Ivoire, has scored six goals so far accounting for 60% of his nation’s total in the tournament.
The young striker stunningly announced himself with four goals in his side’s opening game against the Central African Republic and earned a spot in the tournament’s group stage Dream XI the only Ivorian to do so. His performances have attracted scouts from top European clubs, with Belgian side Anderlecht reportedly leading the chase for his signature.
“He wants to learn everything, he looks up to Victor Osimhen enormously,” one youth coach at the tournament revealed. Osimhen’s legacy as the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup top scorer and his transformation into one of Europe’s elite forwards continues to motivate the next generation.
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Editorial
Victor Osimhen may be lighting up stadiums across Europe today, but perhaps his most lasting legacy lies in the hearts of players like Alynho Haidara young, hungry, and looking to follow the path he carved out a decade ago.
Haidara’s story is still unfolding, but the signs are already exciting. Six goals in one tournament is not a fluke it’s a statement. And to do it while carrying your national team’s hopes on your back at just 16? That takes more than talent it takes vision, courage, and a role model.
Osimhen’s rise from Lagos to Napoli, now Galatasaray, has become more than a story it’s a blueprint. For Haidara, Osimhen is proof that no dream is too far, no goal too lofty. And we believe that kind of influence, intangible as it may seem, is one of football’s greatest gifts.
European clubs are circling for good reason. Haidara has flair, but also the humility to keep learning. That mindset, grounded in admiration for Osimhen, could take him far very far. And if his next steps mirror even a fraction of Osimhen’s, then Africa, once again, will have unearthed a gem.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen won the Golden Boot at the 2015 U17 FIFA World Cup with 10 goals.
- Alynho Haidara’s four goal haul in a single U17 AFCON match ties one of the highest-scoring feats in the tournament’s history.
- Côte d’Ivoire last won the U17 AFCON title in 2013.
- Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli in 2020 was the most expensive African transfer at the time, valued at over €70 million.
- The U17 AFCON has produced several future stars including Kelechi Iheanacho, Patson Daka, and Victor Osimhen himself.
