‘From the streets of Nigeria to world’s history books’, Drogba salutes Osimhen

Côte d’Ivoire and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has saluted Victor Osimhen following his record-breaking goal in Napoli’s 1-0 home win against Fiorentina on Sunday.

Osimhen became the highest-ever African goal scorer in Serie A after taking his tally to 47.

The Nigeria Super Eagles striker broke the record that was held by former AC Milan striker and current Liberia president George Weah.

Osimhen also scored the goal that eventually clinched the title when Napoli held Udinese to a 1-1 draw last Thursday.

Also, his goal against Udinese saw him become the highest African goal scorer in a season with 22 goals, overtaking Samuel Eto’o who scored 21 goals in the 2010/2011 campaign.

Following Napoli’s win against Fiorentina on Sunday, Drogba congratulated Osimhen and his teammates for emerging league title for the first time since 1990.

“Indeed Capo Victor Osimhen from the streets of Nigeria to the World’s History books,” Drogba, a 2012 Champions League winner tweeted.

“Congratulations my Brother to you and your Club @en_sscnapoli.”

Osimhen currently tops Serie A scorers chart with 23 goals while Argentina 2022 World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez is second with 19 goals.

In 2022, Drogba described Osimhen as a complete and unselfish striker after he passed a scoring opportunity to his teammate Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in a Champions League game with Ajax.

“That is a complete striker; unselfishness… the real meaning of ‘win as a team,” Drogba said.

Speaking on CAF website in 2020, Osimhen said Drogba is his role model who influenced his game.

“Drogba would forever be my idol and I’m so grateful to him. Choosing him as a role model has really been helpful since my years growing up.

“I have not met him yet and I’m really looking forward to seeing him and getting one of his signed jerseys; that would really be a dream come true for me.

“Now, playing in a club that used to have Diego Maradona, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever, is inspiring. Maradona is an idol here in Napoli and I have seen his pictures everywhere.

“He is truly the best. To be here and to play on the same pitch of Maradona is another dream come true.”