By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google.
Victor Osimhen, an illustrious son of Nigeria, can best be described as a star with humble beginnings,yet with a success story that continues to inspire across Nigeria and beyond its shores.
From the crowded streets of Olusosun, Lagos, a community best known for its sprawling dumpsite,emerged a young boy who once hawked sachet water to survive.
Born on December 29, 1998 in Lagos, Victor Osimhen, through sheer hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination, has become one of the most valuable footballers in the world. His remarkable financial success story continues to draw admiration, but perhaps his greatest triumph is not his rise to fame, it is his determination to lift others from the struggles he once endured.
According to Google reports, Osimhen’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $10 million and $12 million, though some sources suggest it could be higher.
This valuation covers his football salary, endorsement deals, real estate investments, and luxury assets.
He is also believed to earn over US $20 million annually,a testament to his global reputation as one of Europe’s finest strikers.
Yet beyond the glitter of fame and fortune, Osimhen has become a living example of how success can serve humanity,showing one’s riches and and greatness is in giving back to one’s roots.
Unlike many stars who distance themselves from their humble beginnings, Osimhen remains deeply connected to the community that shaped him, with several acts of kindness that speak louder than words.
Media reports reveal that he has paid school fees, settled hospital bills, and offered direct financial help to struggling families in Olusosun.
Kinsmen from his community said they would not quickly forget how, in 2024, he launched the Olusosun Super Cup, a youth football competition designed to discover raw street talent and nurture it into professional potential. The initiative, they said, has engaged young people in positive activities, curbed crime and idleness, and boosted social cohesion and peace in the community.
Reports also claim that the international footballer donated 2,000 tricycles to unemployed youths in Lagos, an extraordinary gesture that mirrors his vision for empowerment and opportunity.
What then is the lesson for Nigeria’s wealthy elite to learn from Osimhen’s patriotic example?
In a nation where poverty remains widespread, Osimhen’s lifestyle sends a powerful message to the rich and influential. His message is that,wealth finds its true meaning only when shared. By giving back, one helps bridge the yawning gap between the privileged and the poor.
Imagine if Nigeria’s billionaires, entertainers, and politicians embraced Osimhen’s philosophy by investing in young people, small businesses, and community projects, undoubtedly, the ripple effect could lift thousands from poverty and reduce social inequality across the country.
Osimhen has proved that philanthropy is not about publicity, but about purpose, making positive impact and transforming lives, beyond handing out money to people.
Keen observers of his humanitarian efforts agree that his story is far more than a football fairytale. To them,it is a movement of hope, a reminder that those who rise from humble beginnings can become powerful agents of change in others’ lives. His life , therefore,underscores the fact that, true greatness is not measured by possessions, but by impact.
As Nigeria continues to battle inequality, poverty, unemployment, and despair, Osimhen’s compassion offers a template for renewal, one in which the privileged extend their hands of fellowship to the less fortunate, creating a chain of shared prosperity.
Osimhen’s gesture, when weighed against timeless philosophy, shows that true greatness lies not in what the rich earn, but in what they return to humanity.
Therefore, Victor Osimhen’s journey from the slums of Olusosun to the bright lights of Europe is not just an inspirational tale, many view it as a challenge to Nigeria’s wealthy class to rethink the meaning of success.
If every successful Nigerian gave back even a fraction of what they have earned, as Osimhen does, the story of poverty in Nigeria could indeed be rewritten.
As Ajoscor aptly put it: “In the world of modern football, few stories are as inspiring as that of Victor Osimhen. From selling bottled water on the streets of Lagos to becoming one of Africa’s most valuable footballers, Osimhen’s journey represents the power of determination, talent, and unwavering faith.”
“The Nigerian striker’s net worth stands as a testament to his exceptional career both on and off the pitch.”
In a nutshell, it is apt to say that Osimhen has shown the way in curbing social inequality. It is hoped that Nigeria’s wealthy will see his action as a shining example worthy of emulation, so that the poor can breathe.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
