Liberian President Weah Hails Osimhen as Africa’s New Italian Serie A Record Holder
Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between US Salernitana and SSC Napoli at Stadio Arechi, Salerno, Italy on 21 January 2023. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
George Weah, former professional footballer and current President of the Republic of Liberia, has lauded Victor Osimhen, Nigerian striker and Serie A club Napoli player, for his extraordinary feat in the Italian Serie A league. Weah extended his congratulations to Osimhen on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in a statement that praised the footballer’s dedication, hard work and tenacity.
“My heartfelt congratulations to you, Victor Osimhen! I am very glad that you have accomplished a major milestone in your football career, after scoring your 47th goal in the Italian Serie A league,” Weah said, adding that “The records show that with this goal, which you netted on Sunday, May 7, 2023, when your team Napoli went against Fiorentina, effectively makes you the African with the highest scoring record in the Italian Serie A league – surpassing my own account of 46 goals.”
Weah, a former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker, admonished Osimhen not to rest on his laurels, urging him to strive for greater success. “There are many more of my records for you to break. I wish you go on to achieve greater success… The sky is your limit. With your dedication, commitment, humility, and hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that for us.”
Weah, who was Africa’s first-ever Ballon d’Or winner, also acknowledged the challenges that African players face while playing in European leagues and stadiums far from home. “There are many great African players in European leagues. They are already up against the hurdles of playing against many odds in leagues and stadiums so far away from home which present challenges for them; so to beat the odds and climb to the top is worth our commendation,” Weah concluded.
Osimhen’s outstanding performance has put him on the path to greatness, and with the support of his fans and fellow Africans, he can go on to achieve even greater feats.
