Sports

Serie A goal record: Osimhen can win Ballon d’Or, says President Weah

The President of Liberia, George Weah, has hailed Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, for surpassing his record for the highest African goalscorer in Serie A.

Osimhen equaled Weah’s record (46 goals) in Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Udinese last week.

The Nigeria striker later set a new record with 47 goals after scoring the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Fiorentina at the Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday, May 7.

Speaking via a statement issued on Tuesday, May 9, Weah, who played for AC Milan, said Osimhen can conquer the World with his dedication, humility, and hard work.

President Weah added that Africa needs another Ballon d’Or winner, saying Osimhen can deliver the award for the best player for the continent.

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,” Weah noted.

The former AC Milan striker further stated that his records were not a challenge but a motivation to Osimhen and other African players, urging him to remain humble, tenacious, and focused.

“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!” President Weah added.

The Star