In the past few weeks, we explored the essence of human capital development, and last week, we delved into the crucial roles of grassroots development.
This week, we draw inspiration from our Star Man, Osimhen, for Lessons in Self-Development.
Victor James Osimhen MFR (born 29 December 1998) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. Considered one of the best strikers in the world, he is known for his elite finishing, pace, strength, and athleticism.
Osimhen was born in Lagos; his parents hail from Edo State. He grew up in the Olusosun area in Oregun/Ojota of Lagos State, where he valued street football playing and hawking pure water to support his struggling family.
Dear Reader, it is no longer news that the Nigerian Super Eagles are in the AFCON finals. Despite a slow start, they are arguably the best team in the competition, conceding only 2 goals and overcoming outstanding footballing nations to reach the final.
The journey of Victor Osimhen stands as a testament to the transformative power of self-development. From selling bottled water in the bustling traffic of Lagos, where he had to run fast to transact, to becoming the beacon of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Osimhen’s journey is a compelling case study brimming with invaluable lessons for aspiring individuals. Let’s delve into the key insights we can glean from the trajectory of this football sensation.
1. *Passion and Commitment*:
I have watched Osimhen play for Nigeria and his club; his passion is simply extraordinary. You will notice whenever he is withdrawn from the game; he hardly takes his seat on the bench. He is always seen hopping up and down, shouting instructions to his teammates.
His ascent to football greatness underscores the importance of unwavering commitment to one’s passion. His dedication to the sport, coupled with relentless training and improvement, also showcases that pursuing a singular passion with vigor can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. In the journey of Self-Development, take this lesson from Osimhen.
2. *Taking Ownership of Growth*:
I have spent quite a number of years in youth leadership, and I have seen how youth depend absolutely on others for their development, abdicating total responsibilities to others. No one can be committed to your growth more than yourself. The narrative of Osimhen’s self-development has shown us the significance of taking personal responsibility for one’s growth. Whether on or off the field, actively seeking opportunities for improvement and skill enhancement is pivotal in shaping a trajectory towards success. It is important to be at the driver’s seat of your destiny, just as Osimhen did.
3. *Stepping Out of Comfort Zones*:
Osimhen’s journey began with stepping out of the comfort zone of his everyday life. Leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown is often a crucial step in self-development. It opens doors to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
4. *Courage to Take Bigger Leaps*:
From the streets of Lagos to the grand stages of international football, Osimhen’s story shows the courage to take significant leaps of faith. Embracing challenges and setting audacious goals will move individuals towards achievements they might not have imagined possible.
5. *Staying the Course Amid Challenges*:
Finally, do not let anyone deceive you that there will not be challenges. In Lagos, there is a street called Surelere (patience is rewarding), and challenge is just a bus stop at Ibadan. No matter the challenges, one should remain undeterred and focused. Achieving one’s life dream is not easy, but it is rewarding. Osimhen’s path to success was not without hurdles, setbacks, and challenges. His unwavering commitment to staying the course, persisting through hardships, and learning from failures highlights the resilience required in the journey of self-development.
The young boy from the street of Olusosun is not just the current best player in Africa, one of the best Strikers in the world, but the most expensive African football ever.
Thank you for reading this piece; your feedback will be invaluable and appreciated.
Toba Fatunla
fatunlat1@gmail.com