‘It’s great honour to break your Serie A goal record’ — Osimhen hails George Weah

Victor Osimhen, Super Eagles striker, has paid tribute to George Weah, the African football legend, after becoming the highest-scoring African player in Serie A. 

On Sunday, Osimhen scored in the 74th minute from the penalty spot in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina to register his 47th goal in the Italian league.

The landmark strike sent him one goal ahead of Weah, who scored 46 times, on the log of Africans with the most goals in Serie A.

Weah, who is currently the president of Liberia, had held the record since 1999.

Reacting to the feat in a tweet on Monday, Osimhen described the achievement as an honour that he will cherish forever.

He added that the Liberian was a source of inspiration to him while growing up. 

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.… pic.twitter.com/7wfhsduCSC

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— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) May 8, 2023

“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,” he wrote. 

“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 a great honour 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.”

On Thursday, Osimhen led Napoli to its first Serie A title in 33 years.

He has scored 23 league goals this season.