National Teams
AFCON 2023: Togolese artist drops Victor Osimhen painting at Super Eagles camp
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Sunday, February 4, 2024, will linger in the memory of Togolese artiste Al Bayan after the 24-year-old got the chance to see and deliver his drawing of Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen.
Before presenting the painting, the Togolese was able to see the reigning African Player of the Year for the first time.
“His face exudes a lot of personality and strength. We see that he is a determined person who is on a mission for his country and who wants to be an example for African youth, that is also what motivates me,” the Napoli star said.
The Super Eagles communications team warned the Nigerian of the artist’s arrival: “Victor finishes lunch and he will come directly to see you” says the team’s media officer.
Smiling and trembling legs, Al Bayan waits: “I can’t believe he’s just a few meters from me.”
Ten minutes later, the magical moment finally takes place. With an apple for dessert in his hand, the Italian champion approaches the Togolese: “How are you? It seems you want to see me? he smiles.
After shaking the footballer’s hand, the artist offers his work to the Neapolitan. Touched by this gesture, the attacker spent minutes admiring his portrait: “It’s very beautiful my brother, I really appreciate it. I think I know where I’m going to hang it in my house”, said the Nigerian star.
A suspended moment for Al Bayan: “I still have difficulty realizing. He is real as I imagined and very kind.”
With both parties glad, Osimhen returned to his room with a new gift.
Al Bayan on the other hand will return home a happy and fulfilled man with the sight of Osimhen ringing like a bell in his memory.
