At just 17, Osimhen shined at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, scoring 10 goals in seven matches and helping the Golden Eaglets clinch the trophy alongside teammate Samuel Chukwueze. His standout performance and Golden Boot award convinced Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg to invest €3.5 million in bringing him to Germany in January 2017.

However, his early days at Wolfsburg were difficult. Injuries, including a meniscus problem and a shoulder surgery, limited him to only 46 minutes of action in his first six months as the club battled to avoid relegation, eventually defeating Eintracht Braunschweig in the playoff.

Due to limited playing time, Osimhen initially considered going out on loan. But the arrival of Mario Gomez changed everything.

Speaking in an interview with Smallie, Osimhen recalled:

“After the U-17 World Cup, many top clubs wanted me, and I believed I could break into a first team once I turned 18. I chose Wolfsburg myself because I felt it was the right project for me.”

He added that the reality was far different from his expectations due to his injuries.

“I wanted to leave on loan, but when Mario Gomez joined, everything shifted. He was a legend, a top striker, one of the most dangerous forwards in the game. I told the club’s administrator I wanted to stay.”

Osimhen explained how training alongside Gomez opened his eyes.

“I watched his first touch, the goals he scored, how he checked for offsides—it was unbelievable. I knew I had a lot to learn.”

Osimhen went on to make 12 appearances for Wolfsburg the next season, mostly as a substitute. A year later, he decided it was time for a new chapter and moved to Belgian side Charleroi, where he scored 20 goals and added four assists in 36 matches.

His impressive form attracted the attention of French club Lille, who paid €22.4 million for his signature. Osimhen continued his rise in Europe, netting 18 goals and contributing six assists in 38 games for the Ligue 1 side.