Two elderly men from Edo State, claiming to be relatives of Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen, have voiced their disappointment over what they describe as the striker’s neglect of his ancestral home.
In a trending video filmed by a blogger who visited Osimhen’s hometown in Okhuesan, Esan, Edo State, the men—identified as Omuyiwa John and Monday Egbe—expressed sadness that the Super Eagles forward has not maintained ties with the community where his father grew up.
John, who said he grew up with Osimhen’s father, Patrick Osimhen, in the same village, revealed that they attended primary school together and shared close family ties.
READ MORE: Preview: Nigeria, South Africa set for tactical war in AFCON semis
He expressed shock that despite their past support for Victor’s family, the footballer has not acknowledged or visited the community.
According to John, when Osimhen’s mother passed away, the villagers contributed funds to help bury her after her family in Obiaruku, Delta State, insisted on fulfilling marital rites before her burial.
“The father is of the same grandfather as I. We are surprised how the boy said he does not know Okhuesan again. The father grew up here; we all did. We attended the same primary school,” John said in the video.
He recounted how Patrick Osimhen had returned from Lagos to seek financial help from the community when his wife died, as her family made demands before allowing her burial. “We sold everything and contributed money to take to Obiaruku to bury Victor Osimhen’s mother,” he added.
Despite their contributions, John lamented that Victor Osimhen has never returned to the village, even after rising to fame as one of Africa’s top footballers.
The community had celebrated his success but was saddened by his apparent detachment. “There was nothing we did not do for Victor or his father.
Victor Osimhen( photo credit: Getty images)
When we heard he had become a famous footballer, we were happy for him. But he has never stepped foot in this village,” John said.
He further revealed that when Osimhen’s father died, the family chose to bury him in Lagos instead of bringing him back to their ancestral home, despite pleas from the villagers.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
As of now, Victor Osimhen has not publicly responded to these allegations. The elderly men’s emotional appeal has sparked discussions online, with many calling for the footballer to reconnect with his roots.
