Victor Osimhen early career rejection revealed as striker recalls malaria, typhoid setbacks and failed Belgian moves before European success

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed a difficult phase in his early European career, disclosing that he was rejected by two Belgian clubs due to health concerns, including malaria and typhoid.

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The Victor Osimhen early career rejection disclosure was made in a clip from the documentary series Victor Osimhen: The Untold Story, where the forward recounted the setbacks that nearly derailed his professional journey.

Victor Osimhen explained that the rejections occurred shortly after his move to Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, a period marked by limited playing time and recurring injuries.

According to the striker, one Belgian club turned him down after he was diagnosed with malaria and typhoid, while another club withdrew interest despite successful medical checks.

The Victor Osimhen early career rejection narrative highlights how off-field health challenges and administrative decisions shaped the early trajectory of one of Nigeria’s most prominent football exports.

“I went to a club in Belgium. I was rejected because I had malaria and typhoid,” he said.

He added that although medical tests later showed he was fit, the club still declined to sign him due to earlier rejection history linked to another team.

Victor Osimhen said he eventually moved forward despite the setbacks, continuing his development in Germany before earning a fresh opportunity that revived his career.

His breakthrough came during a loan spell at Charleroi, where he scored 12 league goals and re-established himself as a rising talent in European football.

Industry observers note that the Victor Osimhen early career rejection story reflects the resilience often required of young African players navigating competitive European systems.

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The striker has since grown into one of Africa’s leading forwards, with his journey widely regarded as a powerful example of persistence and determination in professional sport.