FIFA Sends Special Message to Victor Osimhen Ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup Playoff vs Gabon

• FIFA has celebrated Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking heroic run of 10 goals at the 2015 U-17 World Cup
• The video has rekindled memories of the Nigerian striker's rise from a youth prodigy to a global superstar
• Nigeria hopes Osimhen replicates the magic as the Super Eagles face Gabon in the 2026 World Cup play-offs

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With Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup play-off against Gabon approaching on November 13, 2025, FIFA has paid a heartfelt tribute to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

In a recent social media post, the football body revisited the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, the tournament that made Osimhen a household name in the global game.

The governing body shared a video compilation of all 10 goals Osimhen scored during the tournament, captioned: '10 goals in 7 matches for Nigeria. Victor Osimhen at the #U17WC.'

The post brought alive memories of the young Nigerian forward whose relentless hunger and clinical finishing led the Golden Eaglets to their fifth U-17 World title.

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At just 16, Osimhen inspired the world with a record-breaking 10 goals, the highest ever scored in a single edition of the competition, according to Fotmob data.

His goals came in all but one match, including a memorable hat-trick against Australia in the Round of 16 and a crucial strike in the final against Mali.

The performance not only brought glory to Nigeria on the global stage but also announced Osimhen's arrival as one of the world’s brightest football talents.

Osimhen: From golden boy to global superstar

Osimhen’s brilliance in Chile became the foundation of a meteoric career that has spanned Europe’s top leagues.

Soon after the tournament, the Super Eagles forward signed his first professional contract with German side Wolfsburg.

From there, he continued to rise through Lille in France before making a record-breaking move to Napoli in Italy, where he led the club to a historic Serie A title in 2023, according to Transfermarkt.

Now starring for Galatasaray in Turkey, Osimhen continues to add chapters to his remarkable story.

His goals powered the Turkish giants to a league and cup double last season, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most lethal finishers.

For Nigeria, Osimhen’s consistency mirrors the nation’s long-standing dominance in youth football, a tradition that has produced world-class talents through the U-17 system.

Today, the 26-year-old forward stands as the Super Eagles' second all-time highest goal-scorer, just behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

Osimhen and World Cup Play-off vs Gabon

As Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in the World Cup play-off, FIFA’s tribute serves as a timely reminder of Osimhen’s greatness.

The Super Eagles will rely heavily on the Galatasaray forward’s experience and clinical finishing to overcome the Panthers and move closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Victory in the tie will see Nigeria progress to face the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon in the final stage of the CAF qualifiers.

The winner will progress to the inter-confederation playoffs, where both finalists will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Osimhen sends message to Galatasaray fans

Legit.ng also reported on Osimhen's message to Galatasaray fans after the 0-0 draw against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League on November 1, 2025.

Gala dominated the match but failed to score, hitting the bar and having goals ruled out for offside in an intense encounter at their home arena - Rams Park.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.