Monrovia- Following the breaking of his footballing record in Italian Serie A African Football legend George Weah has congratulate Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.
BY: Christopher C.Walker [email protected] 0777898224/0886723075
Weah the Only African player to have been crowned world player of the year appreciated Nigerian and Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen on his official social media page for breaking his record for the highest African goal scorer in Serie A history.
The Nigerian achieved the feat after scoring from the spot in Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Fiorentina in Sunday’s Serie A fixture.
The goal, which was his 23rd this season, is his 47th Serie A goal, edging out Weah (46 goals) to become the highest African goal scorer in the Italian top flight.
Osimhen missed a penalty in the 48th minute before finally beating Fiorentina goalkeeper, Pietro Terracciano the second time in the match on 74th minute.
The Nigerian striker who is be targeted by English Premier league side Manchester United has extended his record for the Most Goals Scored by an African Player in a Single Serie A Season which he achieved after netting a scudetto-sealing equaliser for the Azzurri in their 1-1 draw against Udinese on Thursday which helped Napoli clinched their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Weah who played for AC Milan from 1995 -2000 and made 114 appearances scoring 46 goals took to Facebook to congratulate Osimhen for setting a new record and breaking his record.
At Milan Weah won the Serie A in 1995-1996 and 1998-1999.
In his congratulatory message the former World player of the year appreciated his African brother for achieving even more than him.
“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,”Weah posted.
The former AC Milan and Liberian attacker however admonish Osimhen not to be contented and encouraged him that there are many more records of he Weah that Osimhen will have l to break.
“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 Liberian Chief Patron of Sports George Weah said.
According to Weah the records he set during his playing days were meant not as a challenge, but as a motivation to other African Players. In his words Africa has the best of talents and urge the Super Eagles striker to remain humble, tenacious and focused and don’t be distracted.
Weah added that there are many great African players in European leagues who 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 commendation.
“May you continue to surge forward. My prayers are with you. My blessings are also with you. I am rooting for you Victor!” Weah concluded.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Victor Osimhen after breaking Weah record said the African football legend has always been his motivation on the pitch.
“While Growing Up, I Have Always Admired The Great Achievements Of So Many African Legends And His Excellency Mr GEORGE WEAH Is One Of Them, An Icon In The World Of Football And Also A Leader To His People. Someone Who Has Motivated And Inspired Millions Of Young Talents Alike.
“Yesterday, It Was Great Honor Breaking His Record As The Top Scoring African Player In Serie A History, An Achievement I will Forever Cherish, Mr George Weah Has Set A Foundation Of Excellence For Individuals Like Me To Emulate And His Legacy Will Forever Be Remembered,”
“I Celebrate This Milestone With Everyone Who Has Inspired And Supported Me In This Journey. Thank You For Your Contributions, GOD IS THE GREATEST” Victor Osimhen posted on his twitter account.
In what has been an outstanding season for the former Lille forward, he had earlier broken the record of Samuel Eto’o, of most goals scored by an African player in a single season in the Serie A and is on the verge of being the first African to win the Paolo Rossi Award, the Serie A’s top scorer prize.