2023 African Player of The Year, Victor Osimhen, has revealed he waited one hour for a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo, and disclosed what the Portuguese superstar eventually said during their memorable encounter.

The 26-year-old Super Eagles forward made no apologies for being a fan when it comes to meeting football’s biggest stars, admitting he has endeavoured to create lasting memories alongside the likes of Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar as he graces the same stage as these all-time greats.

Speaking to Daddy Freeze, Osimhen said, “I used to say to my friends, the day I’m going to play against Ronaldo, Messi, or Neymar – these are legends, people I love so much – I’m taking a picture with them. I don’t care, even if we lose 10-0!”

The Napoli-owned striker got his chance to meet Ronaldo during a clash with Juventus in 2021, recounting how he approached the Portuguese legend after the contest.

“I said to him, ‘Cris, I would like to take a picture with you.’ He said, ‘Yeah, come to the dressing room’,” Osimhen revealed.

However, what followed was an extended wait that left Osimhen sitting around like a young autograph hunter seeking his hero’s attention.

“(Gianluigi) Buffon saw me, came to me, and asked what I wanted. He went to the gym and told me Ronaldo was working out, told me to sit with him. We were just talking, it was almost 30 minutes, he was not out yet. I waited for one hour, he was still working out,” Osimhen added.

When his moment finally arrived, the Nigerian was struck by Ronaldo’s physical condition despite the Portuguese star’s advancing years.

“Look at the laps and the veins – you’ll think he’s 25 years old at that time,” Osimhen said of Ronaldo’s appearance.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s words of encouragement clearly left a lasting impression on the Nigerian striker.

“He said, ‘Great game, just keep on going,’ and I shook his hand. Nobody is surprised seeing Ronaldo doing what he’s doing now, but he’s actually a great personality,” Osimhen revealed.

Ronaldo continues to defy age at 40, having recently captained Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory and is expected to extend his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s own future remains the subject of intense speculation, with the striker having rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal as he waits for a European giant to make their move.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Osimhen is waiting for a call from Old Trafford after turning down the Middle East offers, with reports claiming Al-Hilal are preparing a new salary package worth €50m per year.

The striker enjoyed a stellar campaign with Turkish giants Galatasaray last season, scoring 37 goals and registering seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell from Napoli.

His performances included an acrobatic overhead kick against Antalyaspor that was voted the Super Lig’s Goal of the Season, securing 65.8 per cent of fan votes, as he helped Okan Buruk’s side claim both the Turkish Super Lig crown and the Turkish Cup title in a memorable double. (Saturday PUNCH)