Napoli and Nigeria national football team striker, Victor Osimhen is having a sensational 2022/2023 season. He has put on excellent performance after excellent performance for the Gil Azzurri as well as the Super Eagles and is on his way to winning silverware.
Osimhen has been the pride and joy of Nigerians everywhere and his praises are being sung all over Super Eagles news outlets all over the world.
Osimhen’s ability has made him a household name in world football and the potential he showed for the Nigeria Super Eagles at the Under 17 World Cup all those years ago is being fulfilled. Now, he is being viewed as a player who could be the best in the World.
Victor Osimhen for Ballon D'or, don't sleep on this pic.twitter.com/7PvGLHOcMt
— 𝐕𝐀𝐑 ☘️ (@Ziyechman) February 25, 2023
The Numbers Behind the Man
The season is not over but Victor Osimhen’s numbers this season have been the best he has produced in his career. In what has been a world class campaign for the 24-year-old, Osimhen has scored 26 goals and provided four assists in 28 starts for his club in all competitions.
Victor Osimhen – Napoli
Osimhen's new found partnership with Kvaratskhelia is one that will go down in Serie A history, after leading Napoli to just their 3rd Scudetto. 26 goals across all comps has led him to be targeted by some of Europes biggest clubs and Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/o2XrA0O4wW
— Dan – Retro Shirts FC (@RetroShirtsFC) April 26, 2023
The Nigerian has led them to a UEFA Champions League quarter final finish and is close to helping them win their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years.
For the Super Eagles, Osimhen has found the back of the net five times and created two assists for his teammates in five AFCON 2023 qualifiers fixtures.
He has been a key reason for success in club and international level and is having a season worthy of being seen as the best.
How Does He Compare to Other Ballon D’Or Candidates
Lionel Messi
The Argentine phenomenon has been in this conversation for nearly two seasons and his staggering consistency is why he is regarded by many as the greatest player of all time.
Lionel Messi’s 15 goals and 15 assists in Ligue 1 amount to 20 goals this season. Compared to Osimhen, who has 21 goals and 4 assists for Napoli, you could argue that the Nigerian international is having the better individual season for his club, but Lionel Messi’s historic World Cup win over the winter may put him at an advantage.
Osimhen, on the other hand, did not feature at the showpiece event due to the Super Eagle’s failure to qualify.
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian has been, by some distance, the highest goal scorer in Europe’s top five leagues. With 34 goals for Manchester City, he has scored 14 goals more than Osimhen.
Haaland’s team could potentially win the treble as they are in a heated title race with Arsenal, in the FA Cup final where Manchester United will be their opponents and have a Champions League semi final showdown with Manchester City.
Osimhen is currently competing for one trophy and an Erling Haaland treble win will put him at a disadvantage,
Can Osimhen earn a podium spot?
Although he is having a phenomenal season for club and country, Osimhen’s achievements this season will not be enough to see him reach a podium spot ahead of players like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland or even players like Kevin De Bruyne.
He may not get there now, but he will definitely be in contention for a top 10 position in the rankings.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
