Victor Osimhen reveals his pre-match rituals

It is difficult to separate footballers and their superstitious beliefs, and the Napoli striker is no exception

For quite a few footballers, holding on to a pre-game ritual or superstition is more than just a religious habit. It is often a practice many believe gives them a mental advantage ahead of an important match.

Several players tend to wear their right footgear first as they hope it will bring them good luck. Some are known to point two fingers at the sky when entering a football pitch. Others simply tap their chests with their fists.

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas once confessed that in his locker inside the dressing room, he kisses a ring his wife gave to him four times before heading to the pitch.

While Wayne Rooney also admitted to forming the habit of eating a bowl of his favourite cereal, Coco Pops, before every match.

For Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, it is something more spiritual.

The 22-year-old reveals that he prefers listening to soulful gospel songs such as “Patience” by Nas and Damian Marley before running on to the football pitch as it helps him stay relaxed.

The former Golden Eaglets hero recalls it has been his practice since he was on loan at Sporting Charleroi from Wolfsburg.

Speaking to TheCable in response to a question on what his pre-game rituals entail, the Super Eagles forward said:

“It’s quite simple for me. Before I go for games, I listen to gospel music, and before I leave my hotel room, I always leave everything in the hands of the Lord. I pray.

“When we are going to the stadium, I listen to “Patience” by Nas and Damian Marley, which really calm my soul regardless of the storm I might go and face there.

“It’s been helping me during my Charleroi days. It’s been helping me here also. These are the things I do when going for the games.”

It has undoubtedly been effective for Osimhen as the ex-Wolfsburg signing has seen his profile maintain an upward trajectory since his Sporting Charleroi days.

The exciting forward moved from Belgium to Lille and excelled in France before sealing a record move to Napoli in July 2020.