Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, congratulated Osimhen in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Toyin Ibitoye, describing it as a “remarkable achievement.” Dare said that Osimhen is a great ambassador of Nigeria and a role model to the youth, and his achievements have shown that one can get to the top of their career if one believes in themselves and stay focused.
In addition to the ‘Best Foreign Athlete’ award, the Italian Footballers Association (AIC) named Osimhen Serie A Player of the Month for February. Osimhen scored four goals in four league appearances for Napoli in February and is also in the running for the Serie A Player of the Month.
Napoli, Osimhen’s club, is in the race for the Serie A title this season. With 13 games to go, they have a huge 15-point advantage over second-placed Inter Milan, making them odds-on for Serie A glory. Street hawkers are already selling mementoes in Napoli colours with a “three” in anticipation of a third title. Shops also sell cakes and Easter eggs decorated with Osimhen’s trademark face mask, which he wears on the pitch following a face injury.
Osimhen is in his third season at Napoli after playing previously in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg and in Ligue 1 with Lille. His outstanding performance this season has put Napoli in an excellent position to win their first Serie A title in three decades.
Dare urged Osimhen to remain focused and not relent, stating that his achievements are a source of pride for Nigeria. Osimhen has become a household name in Nigeria and an inspiration to many young footballers who aspire to play at the highest level. His success is a testament to Nigerian athletes’ talent and hard work and the potential of Nigerian football to compete at the highest level.