NAPLES, Italy – Serie A champions Napoli are pulling out all the stops to retain their star striker, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, amid interest from top European clubs.
Osimhen’s exceptional performance in the previous season, which significantly contributed to Napoli’s first title win in 33 years, has made him a sought-after player.
According to reports on Monday, July 17, 2023, Napoli has proposed a lucrative new two-year contract extension to Osimhen with a salary worth N6.5 billion (approximately €6.5 million plus €1 million in bonuses).
Napoli was in advanced talks with Osimhen for a contract extension until 2027 and a salary hike.
Osimhen, who has two years left on his current contract, had initially requested a more substantial deal worth €7 million.
In response, Napoli has now offered him a new contract, accompanied by a hefty release clause of £170 million.
Napoli’s new manager, Rudi Garcia confirmed Osimhen’s intentions to stay at the club for another impressive season.
Garcia said, “Of course, I have spoken to Osimhen who wants to stay here to make another great season with Napoli.” He added, “I can assure you that he (Osimhen) wants to stay, he is happy to be with us and still wants to do great things.”
In his last season with Napoli, Osimhen had an impressive record of 26 goals and five assists in 32 league appearances, making him a pivotal player in the team’s remarkable season.
Napoli Striker Victor Osimhen Channels Warlike Spirit Through Rap Anthems Pre-Match
Victor Osimhen, the formidable striker for SSC Napoli, revealed his unusual pre-match ritual of listening to rap music for motivation.
The Super Eagles star finds inspiration in the beats and lyrics of renowned rapper Olamide, his favorite Nigerian artist, before stepping on the pitch.
In a recent interview with Pooja Media on Saturday, June 17, 2023, Osimhen revealed his affection for Olamide’s music and his mindset going into each game.
“After lunch, during my spare time, like two or three hours before the final meeting to go to the stadium, I listen to Olamide’s rap [songs],” said Osimhen.
“There’s some kind of rap he has done in recent years that is inspirational to me.”
He further explained that he holds Olamide in high esteem. “Olamide is my best musician in Nigeria. And I have this playlist I use to listen to his songs,” he added.
But his pre-match playlist is not limited to Nigerian rap. Osimhen boards the bus to the stadium and listens to Nas and Damian Marley’s ‘Only the Strong Survive’, a song that encapsulates his mindset going into each game.
“When I listen to these songs, I always put in my head that I’m going to war. Everything I’m playing, I’m going to war, that I’m going there to die, or someone is going to die,” Osimhen said. “‘Only the Strong Survive’ means I want to win; I don’t want to lose.”
The warrior-like mentality that Osimhen projects has been evident in his performance on the field, where he consistently puts his heart and soul into every match.
The striker’s revelation of his pre-game ritual provides a glimpse into the psyche of an elite athlete, demonstrating the intensity, focus, and desire to win that sets top-level performers like Osimhen apart from the rest.
