After a dramatic summer transfer window that nearly turned sour, reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, ultimately left Napoli for Galatasaray. The Nigeria striker has wasted no time making his presence felt, registering eight goals and four assists in just nine appearances across all competitions. He has remained prolific for the Super Eagles, having scored 23 goals in 37 games to become Nigeria’s joint second all-time top scorer alongside Segun Odegbami, who scored 23 goals in 46 matches. At age 25, he is edging closer to Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37 goals from 58 matches.
In this exclusive interview with Completesports.com, JAMES AGBEREBI speaks to Coach Paul Erikewe, the man who discovered Osimhen in 2009 at the age of nine while he was still a pupil at Olusosun Community Primary School, Oregun, Lagos. Erikewe is the founder of Olusosun United, a grassroots football club where Osimhen first honed his skills and showcased his immense potential.
Coach Erikewe sheds light on the qualities that made Osimhen stand out as a young striker, including his exceptional work ethic, passion, and hunger for success. He also delves into the striker’s move to Galatasaray, his potential for a blockbuster transfer to an elite European club, and his inspiring rise from grassroots football to global prominence.
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Beyond the football field, Erikewe recounts the early challenges Osimhen faced and overcame, including the psychological toll of losing his mother at a young age. He reflects on the community support that nurtured Osimhen’s dreams and discusses the player’s evolution into one of the most feared strikers in world football today.
In this candid conversation, Coach Erikewe offers a unique perspective on the journey of a player whose story continues to inspire millions.
What were your first impressions of Victor Osimhen when you started coaching him as a young player? Did he show signs of his future potential even then?
“To be candid, from the onset, Osimhen showed signs of playing football at the highest level. Among his peers, he always demonstrated the determination to succeed. He was willing to give everything to be on the winning side. Beyond his raw potential, which we helped develop, he exhibited a clear desire to become a professional footballer from the start.”
How would you describe Osimhen’s work ethic and attitude during his training sessions as a schoolboy? Was he more driven or focused than other players his age?
“Yes, he was. Academically, he was doing well because he managed to balance education and football effectively. He was always among the first to arrive for training, which set him apart. His focus and commitment were exceptional.”
What specific skills or qualities did you work on with Osimhen to help him improve, and how did he respond to coaching?
“There are certain innate abilities a player has, and as a coach, your job is to identify and develop them. Osimhen had speed, but his shooting and heading abilities needed work. We focused on strength, stamina, and build-up play, improvising with endurance training as gym facilities were scarce at the time. Heading was his weakest area initially, but with better facilities and exposure, he has turned it into a strength.”
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Did Osimhen face any challenges or obstacles in his journey from grassroots football to the professional level, and how did he overcome them?
“Yes, the major challenge was psychological. Losing his mother at a tender age was a significant blow. However, he found support from the community, including my son, Damilare, and his landlord’s son, Nuru, who often assisted him. Osimhen was deeply loved in the community, and that helped him push through.”
Can you recall any memorable moments from Osimhen’s youth games or training sessions that hinted at the career he would go on to build?
“There was a particular game where we were on the verge of losing, and Osimhen scored two quick goals to secure our place in the grassroots competition final. It was moments like these that showed his potential to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.”
As his coach, what do you think has been the key to Osimhen’s success, and what advice did you give him back then that he still uses today?
“First and foremost, hard work, dedication, and determination. I remember using Ronaldo of Brazil as an example for him as a striker. I told him that if he finds himself in a straight line with a defender, the first thing he should do is find a way to get in front of that defender. Once he’s in front of the last defender, it’s just him and the goalkeeper, and there’s no way the defender can take the ball from him. Everyone can see now that he has really applied that advice to his game.”
Can you recall any games, either for the national team or at the club level, where he applied this advice?
“There are so many examples. Once you’ve imbibed a skill and developed it, it becomes a natural part of your game, and you can apply it whenever the situation calls for it. Osimhen has been doing just that consistently.”
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How does Osimhen’s journey inspire the young players you currently coach, and what do you tell them about his path to motivate them?
“Whenever he visits the community, it inspires the players greatly. I remember one of his visits to the academy when he told the players: “This is how I started with Baba (Coach Erikewe). Please listen to Baba. Whatever Baba tells you regarding football, make sure you key into it.” That statement was very motivational. I always remind my players to use Osimhen as a point of reference because he listened to my advice, and that has played a big role in his success.”
What are your thoughts on Osimhen’s current loan spell at Galatasaray? How do you think it has impacted his development compared to his time at Napoli?
“He faced challenges in Italy, and in my opinion, moving to Galatasaray was one of the best decisions for him. He’s there to prove a point, and he’s doing just that, coupled with the love he has received from the fans. He was warmly welcomed, and he’s giving them the kind of performances that will make them want to keep him.”
With Osimhen’s performance at Galatasaray, what qualities do you think he has demonstrated that could appeal to top clubs in Europe for a permanent transfer?
“Every club wants a striker who can deliver. Osimhen is showing the top clubs that he belongs at the highest level. He’s sending a clear message that, come the next transfer window, he’s ready and available for a big move.”
In your opinion, what would be the ideal next career move for Osimhen after Galatasaray? Do you think he’s ready for a league like the Premier League, or should he consider further development at another European club?
“Osimhen is now a world-class player, capable of fitting into any league in the world – whether it’s the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A. He has what it takes to succeed anywhere. All that’s needed is for him, the team, and the coach to align on a shared philosophy and work out the necessary modalities. Once that’s in place, he’ll deliver in any league.”
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