By Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: President George Manneh Weah has sent congratulatory message to Nigerian international and Napoli super star Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian International broke the former AC Malian footballer and Liberian President’s record Sunday, after scoring his 47th goal in the Italian Series A league, surpassing Weah’s 46th goal.
In a message sent to the Nigerian International, the Liberian acknowledged and expressed gladness for another African to have broken a record he set while playing in the Italian league.
“I am very glad that you have accomplished a major milestone in your football career, after scoring your 47th goal in the Italian Serie A league,” the Liberian leader expressed on Tuesday via his social media.
Osimhen’s Sunday goal against Fiorentia makes him the only African with the highest scoring record in the Italian Serie A league.
“I am so proud of your exploits and congratulate you on this remarkable achievement which is a result of your hard work, dedication and tenacity. I am also pleased with your kind words of honor in tribute to me upon reaching such a giant milestone,” President Weah expressed.
However, he also admonished the Napoli super star not be contented because there are many more of President Weah’s records before him to break.
“I watched your goal against Udinese when your 52nd -minute header won the Scudetto for Napoli. Your movement, your passion, your determination and hunger brought back many memories to me. I wait for your 100th Goal in all competitions in Italy so that you can celebrate (but don’t remove your shirt like I did or you will get a Yellow Card),” he urged.
The Liberian leader continued: “You have won one Scudetto. Great! When I won my first Scudetto with Milan, I said to myself, why one, why not two? I went on to win another Scudetto with Milan. I went on to win the Ballon D’or.
“So why not two or more for you Victor? The sky is your limit. With your dedication, commitment, humility, hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that for us.”
President said his records in football history meant not as a challenge, but as a motivation to other African Players.
Therefore, he encouraged Victor Osimhen and other football stars on the African continent to remain humble, tenacious and focused and should not be distracted.
“There are many great African players in European leagues. They are already up against the hurdles of playing against many odds in leagues and stadiums so far away from home which present challenges for them; so to beat the odds and climb to the top is worth our commendation,” he noted.
