Victor Osimhen has returned to Nigeria to spread holiday cheer and bring smiles to the faces of women and youths in Olusosun, Ojota, where he spent his early years, Soccernet.ng reports.
It has been an eventful year for the Super Eagles star, who began 2024 with his second Africa Cup of Nations medal.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in helping Nigeria secure a runners-up finish at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, adding a silver medal to the bronze he earned at the 2019 edition.
Despite Napoli’s struggles, Osimhen delivered an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions in the 2023/24 season.
Though heavily linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, PSG, and Manchester United in the summer, a blockbuster transfer failed to materialise, leading to a loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Osimhen has been in scintillating form for Galatasaray, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in just 15 matches across the Süper Lig and Europa League.
His most recent contribution came with a brace in Galatasaray’s commanding 5-1 victory over Kayserispor, their final match of the year.
Victor Osimhen: Spreading Cheer in Nigeria
As is customary, Osimhen is spending part of his holiday break in Nigeria, with one of his first stops being the Tony Elumelu all-white party, an event graced by Nigeria’s elite.
The striker, fresh off a remarkable half-season, mingled with top celebrities, including the billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu.
The Galatasaray forward then returned to Olusosun, the Lagos slum where he grew up, to give back to the community that shaped him.
Returning to where my football dream and journey began in Olusosun gives me so much goosebumps. I am humbled and grateful for the roots that shaped my dreams. This is me once again appreciating their love and support and i will always cherish Olusosun and it’s people. Thank You!… pic.twitter.com/NgfI50UYZ2
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) June 23, 2023
Olusosun is situated near Ojota, with its towering landfill serving as a grim reminder of the area’s economic challenges.
Despite his global fame, Osimhen makes it a point to reconnect with his roots every year.
Last Christmas, he visited Olusosun with his CAF Player of the Year award after inspiring Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
This year, the Super Eagles star came bearing gifts.
On Christmas Eve, Osimhen distributed 2,000 tricycles, bags of rice, cartons of noodles, and other food items to residents.
He instructed that food items be given to mothers while tricycles were allocated to the youth, offering them a means of livelihood.
This heartwarming gesture points to Osimhen’s commitment to uplifting his community, even as his star continues to shine on the global stage.
Generosity in the Festive Season
Osimhen is not the only Nigerian footballer spreading goodwill this season.
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has opened shops providing free meals in London, while Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has been involved in similar initiatives in Belgium.