Victor Osimhen has shared emotional details about his difficult childhood, revealing how harsh experiences with landlords left a lasting mark on him.

The Super Eagles striker spoke about growing up in Olusosun, a crowded slum in Lagos, where life was shaped by poverty and daily struggle. In a chat with The Players’ Tribune, the 27 year old forward opened up about the challenges his family faced after losing his mother.

Osimhen said his father lost his job as a driver following his mother’s death. With no steady income, his father began washing dishes in a police department kitchen just to earn a small stipend. The money was not enough to care for seven people living in a single room apartment.

“I remember one night when I was about 12, the landlord had enough. He cut off the power to our apartment. We were sitting in the dark in one room, all seven of us, no TV, nothing. I went outside and sat next to a gutter and started crying,” Osimhen said.

The situation became worse when the landlord removed part of the roof of their home, claiming it was for repairs.

“Our house barely had a roof. It was starting to cave in, and so the landlord said, ‘OK, I will fix it. Do not worry.’ He sent some guys over, and they took half the roof off and never came back,” he added.

Osimhen explained that many families in the area survived by reselling scraps from a nearby landfill. As a young boy, he also took on small jobs to help his family. Every naira he earned went to his siblings to buy food and pay rent.

“Everything I earned, I gave to my siblings to buy food and pay the rent. Most nights, I actually slept in the church,” he said.

Over the years, the striker has often spoken about how poverty built his strong will and hunger to succeed in football. According to Daily Trust, those early struggles helped shape the fierce drive fans now see on the pitch.

During Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen showed visible frustration after feeling he was denied a pass. He exchanged words with teammates and walked straight to the tunnel after being substituted. Coaches later described the moment as pure passion and a deep desire to win.

Recently, he also admitted feeling humiliated by a social media post that mocked him for missing a penalty while playing for SSC Napoli. His reaction, many say, reflects the sensitivity formed during his tough upbringing.

Still, that same intensity drives his best performances. Fans and analysts often praise his pressing, tireless work rate, and readiness to create chances for others.

Victor Osimhen’s story is a reminder of how far he has come. From nights spent in darkness and under a broken roof in Lagos to shining on the biggest stages in football, his journey has been shaped by hardship and resilience.

As his career continues, that same hunger born from struggle remains clear every time he steps onto the pitch.