Victor Orakpo, the standout performer of the 2022 FC Bayern Youth Cup, has opened up about his transformation from street football in Nigeria to the professional ranks of European football.
Orakpo, born on January 14, 2006, is currently a forward for OGC Nice in France’s Ligue 1.
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The Nigerian youngster was signed by the French club in January 2024 after impressing during a trial period, initially joining their elite reserve squad.
Before moving to Europe, Orakpo honed his skills at FC Bako and later at VOE Football Academy, a Nigerian affiliate of the FC Bayern Munich international network.
His talent shone brightly during the 2022 FC Bayern Youth Cup, where he emerged as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Player, netting six goals in the competition and catching the attention of international scouts.
In a chat with Sports247, he shared insights and advice for aspiring talents following in his footsteps.
Reflecting on his journey, Orakpo acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from grassroots football to the professional level.
“At first, it was a little bit difficult,” he said. “Coming straight from street football, I had to quickly adapt to a high-performance environment. I stayed focused and committed. I had a vision of what I wanted. I knew where I was coming from and where I wanted to go. On and off the pitch—in training, matches, the gym—I gave it everything.”
Orakpo also offered a message to young, aspiring footballers in Nigeria and beyond:
“My advice to the young ones is: just keep working hard, stay committed, have faith and believe in yourself. It might take time, but everything will work out. Dedication and consistency are key.”
Apart from his success at youth international level, Orakpo also left his mark in Nigerian tertiary football. He was a student at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and received recognition for his outstanding performances in the 2022 Higher Institutions Football League (HIFL).
Now playing in France’s top division, Orakpo is widely considered one of Nigeria’s rising football prospects, with hopes high that he will continue his upward trajectory and eventually break into the senior squad at OGC Nice.
