Victor Osimhen: How two Belgian clubs rejected me over malaria and typhoid

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed how two Belgian clubs rejected him early in his European journey due to health concerns, including malaria and typhoid, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward disclosed in a viral clip from the documentary series Victor Osimhen: The Untold Story, where he recounted one of the most difficult periods of his fledgling career after joining VfL Wolfsburg in 2017.

Speaking candidly, Osimhen explained how illness derailed his chances of securing a move to Belgium at a crucial stage of his development.

“At first, I went to a club in Belgium. I was rejected because I had malaria and typhoid,” Osimhen said. “I moved back to Germany; I started training. Another club in Belgium called me. I did the medical and everything. The doctor said everything was perfect, but the president said because the first club didn’t sign me, they also couldn’t sign me. I thanked him and left. I moved on.”

The setbacks came at a time when the young striker was struggling to establish himself in Germany, with injuries and limited playing opportunities hindering his progress at Wolfsburg.

How Victor Osimhen revived his career at Charleroi

However, a late opportunity with Royal Charleroi SC proved decisive. Then-club president Mehdi Bayat offered Osimhen a lifeline just before the transfer window shut in 2018.

Cautious after previous disappointments, the Nigerian kept the move quiet but seized his chance upon arrival. He made his debut as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Royal Excel Mouscron in September 2018, which marked the beginning of his resurgence.

Osimhen went on to score 12 league goals during his loan spell at Charleroi, where he revived his career and set the stage for a rapid rise across Europe.