Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen says it is a massive honour for him to have overtaken George Weah as the African footballer with the highest goals in the Italian Seria A.
The Napoli forward made history and surpassed Weah’s record when he netted his 47th goal of the competition from the spot against Fioretina on Sunday night. He had missed a penalty earlier in the game.
Weah, who is the current Liberian president previously held the record with 46 goals scored while he played for AC Milan between 1995 and 2000, making 114 appearances. However, Osimhen achieved the feat after playing 79 games.
Speaking to BT Sport after the match on breaking the record, Osimhen said: “It’s really amazing. A big respect to George Weah, he put Africa on the map when he played here with AC Milan. For me to surpass him is a big honour and respect to him.
“He has inspired a lot of African players and I am happy to have surpassed his record. He is forever a legend to me and I am really happy about this feat”.
The 24-year-old who joined the Naples side in a record deal worth €68 million from French side, Lille in the 2020 summer transfer has made every penny count, leading the team to its first Scudetto in 33 years last week and becoming a fan favourite.
He also leads the goal scoring chart this season in the league, finding the back of the net 23 times, with four games still to play.
Commenting on winning the Scudetto after such a long wait and what it means to the fans, he said: “It’s an amazing feeling. Look at the crowd; look at the noise, this means a lot to them. It’s good to come back home to win and seal out place as the real champion, and I am happy to contribute with a goal.
“Today’s game was a big one against a good and well organised side. To be able to win at home in front of our amazing fans in something we will never forget in a rush. I am really happy for the win”.
Osimhen added that him and his teammates will continue to build on their current momentum for the rest of the games.
