BOITUMELO RANTAO
ITALIAN giants Napoli have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international Victor Osimhen from French club Lille.
The 21-year old striker had been linked with several top European clubs after netting 18 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions for Lille, securing him a permanent transfer to Naples.
The deal, worth €80m including add-ons and bonuses to Lille, makes Osimhen Napoli’s record club signing and Africa’s joint most expensive signing.
Said Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis: “Napoli are the right club for him to achieve important results, and Osimhen will always give his best. I’ll say it now: Victor will do everything possible to match and even break the records set by a legend like Maradona.
“I talked to Victor just a few minutes ago, he’s very excited about his new experience and new club. Napoli is a big name in world football. It’ll be a new challenge for him.
“If he gets the right support, I guarantee he’ll stick to his word and make you all proud. Believe in him and he’ll help the team achieve their objectives. I’ll come to Naples next season to watch some of their games. Osimhen is young and could stay at Napoli for a long time.” added De Laurentiis
Osimhen responded: ‘President, I’ll make Naples proud. I often think of where I come from and where I want to go. I still have a long way to go. When I think of Olusosun [a landfill in Nigeria where he grew up] … This is not a place that offers you promises. But I never gave up. Part of my life has been a struggle to survive. But that’s all I am today in the end.” said Osimhen
The Super Eagles star led Nigeria to a win at the U17 World Cup in 2017 finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. He made his full international debut in June 2017 and has 10 caps for Nigeria.
