Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reflected on his early struggles in Europe, revealing how former Germany international Mario Gomez played a pivotal role in shaping his development during their time together at VfL Wolfsburg, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Osimhen, who joined the Bundesliga club as a teenager, admitted that his early period in Germany did not unfold as he had hoped. However, the arrival of Gomez — one of Europe’s most prolific strikers of his generation — became a turning point in his mindset and growth.
“When my time at Wolfsburg didn’t go as expected at first, Mario Gomez arrived,” Osimhen said. “He was a huge legend; an experienced striker, one of the most lethal forwards you can think of in world football. When he came, I went to speak with the club director. I said I wanted to stay because I wanted to learn. I knew I still had time.”
Determined to improve, Osimhen made it a priority to closely study the German forward during training. “I was watching this man — his incredible goals, his touches on the ball, how he read the game, the offside traps, everything… I was stunned,” he recalled. “Training with Mario Gomez was truly amazing.”
Osimhen’s reflections highlight how the mentorship and presence of seasoned professionals can influence the trajectory of young talents. The Nigerian striker has since grown into one of the world’s most dominant forwards, with Gomez’s example serving as an early spark in his development.
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