Victor Osimhen has opened up about his painful childhood, revealing that his rise to global football fame is nothing short of divine grace.
Speaking in an interview with , the Nigerian striker reflected on the difficult journey that shaped his life, stating in third-person narration that he never imagined the world would one day know his name, and that every achievement he enjoys today is a testimony of God’s mercy.
Osimhen recounted that he lost his mother at a very young age, around the age of three. He explained that he was too little to fully remember her, but the only image that has stayed with him over the years is that of her carrying him in her arms.
Life became even more challenging after her death. He said his father, who once worked as a driver, lost his job and later took up work as a dishwasher at a police station. Despite the effort, the income was not enough to support the family or keep up with rent payments.
He remembered a painful night when he was about 12 years old. According to him, the landlord, frustrated over unpaid rent, disconnected electricity to their small apartment where seven people shared a single room. With no light and no comfort, he went outside, sat near a swamp, and cried as he questioned God about the hardship his family was facing.
Osimhen further disclosed that as he began earning small amounts of money, he gave everything to his siblings to help with food and rent. Many nights, he slept in a church because their house was barely standing. He explained that the roof of their home was in terrible condition, and although the landlord promised to repair it, the situation only worsened.
In a shocking twist, he revealed that one day the landlord sent men to remove the roof entirely, and it was never replaced. More than a decade later, the family is still waiting for that repair. In a light but telling remark, he added that he prays for everyone, though landlords sometimes slip his mind in those prayers.
Today, Osimhen stands as one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, but his story serves as a powerful reminder that behind the fame lies a past marked by pain, sacrifice, and unshakable faith.
