You can win Ballon d’Or – George Weah hails Osimhen for breaking his record as highest African goalscorer in Serie A
You can win Ballon d’Or – George Weah hails Osimhen for breaking his record as highest African goalscorer in Serie A
Liberia President, George Weah has hailed Nigerian international and SSC Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen for breaking his record as the highest African scorer in Seria A.
Osimhen scored his 47th Serie A goal from the spot in Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday, to break Weah’s record.
In a post-match interview with BT Sports, the 24-year-old said it was a great honour to break the legendary George Weah’s record.
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He said, “It’s really amazing. A big respect to George Weah. He has put Africa on the map when he was playing here with AC Milan. For me to surpass him is a big honour, a big respect to him.
“His son, Timothy Weah is my very good friend. And I want to say he has inspired a lot of African players and I’m happy to surpassed his record. He will forever be a legend for me. And I’m really happy about this feat.”
George Weah reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, expressed his happiness over Osimhen’s feat and urge him to go for more.
He said; “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.
“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.
“I am so proud of your exploits and congratulate you on this remarkable achievement which is a result of your hard work, dedication and tenacity. I am also pleased with your kind words of honor in tribute to me upon reaching such a giant milestone.
“However, I want to admonish you not be contented. There are many more of my records for you to break. I wish you go on to achieve greater success.
“I watched your goal against Udinese when your 52nd -minute header won the Scudetto for Napoli. Your movement, your passion, your determination and hunger brought back many memories to me. I wait for your 100th Goal in all competitions in Italy so that you can celebrate (but don’t remove your shirt like I did or you will get a Yellow Card) 😀.
“You have won one Scudetto. Great! When I won my first Scudetto with Milan, I said to myself, why one, why not two? I went on to win another Scudetto with Milan. I went on to win the Ballon D’or. So why not two or more for you Victor? The sky is your limit. With your dedication, commitment, humility, hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that for us.
“The records that I set were meant not as a challenge, but as a motivation to you and other African Players. We have the best of talents. You have to remain humble, tenacious and focused. Don’t be distracted.
“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.
“May you continue to surge forward. My prayers are with you. My blessings are also with you. I am rooting for you Victor!”
