“Now I’m addicted to trophies” – Victor Osimhen declares as record-breaking Nigerian wants to add Champions League to Scudetto haul

The 24-year-old striker told Soccernet about his ambition for the new season as he aims to fill his trophy cabinet with titles after record-breaking 2022-23 season at Napoli

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has told Soccernet.ng that his ambition is bigger than ever after he won his first professional title with Napoli last season.

The 24-year-old scored 26 goals to propel SSC Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years. He was named the Serie A striker of the year, among many other accolades that poured in for him, leading to his 120 million euros valuation by Transfermarkt, the highest-valued player in Serie A history.

“I’ve won one of the most prestigious titles in world football. And I won it with a club that appreciates the little things you do for them,” Osimhen told Soccernet.ng in an exclusive.

“Winning the Scudetto is a big one for me. Whatsoever thing that comes after this (will also be) a big one for me, like the Champions League, the League Cup, and all sorts,” he said.

Billed as one of the most exciting young talents in world football when he won the FIFA U17 World Cup as the best striker in 2015, Osimhen took a long time to settle into professional football after his initial move to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

Injuries and a loss of faith in his talent led to a loan move to Belgium, where he eventually found his foot at Charleroi.

From there, he moved to Lille in Ligue 1 before being sold in an African record transfer to Napoli where he finally settled down after three seasons.

“I’m so proud that I am actually a Scudetto winner, for me, it’s a huge one,” Osimhen told Soccernet.ng.

“Whatsoever honour that comes after this, I will welcome it. And I am really working hard to make sure, and now I am addicted to trophies because now the Scudetto is my first trophy as a pro.

“Now I’m addicted, and I can’t wait for the new season to come,” Osimhen said.

The Nigerian has been a player of high interest across top clubs in Europe but the price tag of 150 million euros placed on him by Napoli has kept the suitors at bay.

At Naples, he has become a cult hero; his mask is now a totem for the fans. And artists have painted his face on several buildings across the city.

“I have never seen a city crazier about football like the way the Neapolitans are,” Osimhen told Soccernet.ng. “They show all their players love. And wherever I go to, I am being respected. Kids love me, a lot of people admire me, they idolize me by putting on the replica of my mask.

“It shows the hard work I have given to them and what I mean to them. And for me, there’s no better place to be than this place.

“I am so happy I made the right choice by coming here. And achieving this kind of greatness with the Neapolitans is something that I will wake up and always smile about.

“My children’s children will come into this world and realize that their father has done something amazing.”