Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has opened up about the personal rituals that prepare him mentally and emotionally before every game, offering fans a rare look into the habits that power one of Africa’s fiercest attackers.
Now a rising star at Galatasaray, where he has quickly won over supporters in Istanbul, Osimhen revealed that his matchday routine begins long before he steps onto the pitch. It starts in his headphones—with a carefully chosen playlist that sets his mindset for battle.
The 26-year-old said music has always been the fuel behind his competitive spirit.
“Growing up, I already knew football was what I wanted,” he said.
“Before a match, I mostly listen to Olamide. I also listen to Nas and Damian Marley. ‘Strong Will Continue’ motivates me a lot—it gets me ready for any game. These songs are part of my rituals.”
But there is one Olamide track that never fails to snap him into full focus.
“My favourite Olamide song before a match is *King Shit*,” Osimhen added.
“The line ‘Don’t worry about tomorrow, forget your sorrow, forget about the shoes and clothes you borrowed’ always hits me. It puts me in the right frame of mind.”
That hunger and intensity were on display again last Friday when Osimhen bagged a brace in Galatasaray’s thrilling 3–2 victory over Samsunspor, underscoring his critical role in the club’s push for the Turkish title.
Beyond his pre-match rituals, Osimhen also admitted that defeat is something he has struggled with all his life—on any stage, at any level.
“Losing, to be honest, is very cruel,” he confessed.
“Whether it’s street football, real matches, the World Cup, AFCON… even in life. I’ve never liked losing since I was small. It’s part of the game, and I have to accept it, but if I could, I would want to win every time.”
He added that losses often weigh heavily on him long after the final whistle.
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“People who live with me know—if I lose a match, it’s very hard for me to sleep,” he said.
“When I’m on the pitch, I become a completely different beast.”
With his rituals in place and his competitive fire burning, Osimhen continues to show why he is one of the most feared strikers of his generation.
