Sports
Praise for Victor Osimhem sees his Stock Rise
“Napoli-Lazio 5-0” (CC BY 2.0) by Erik Cleves Kristensen
He’s already playing in one of the biggest leagues in world football but Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhem continues to be monitored by major clubs around the globe. After an electrifying start which saw him score eight goals in his first nine games of the new season, the Napoli forward could well be the subject of a major transfer enquiry in 2022.
His current club will naturally want to fight off any interest but that impressive record could lead to a big offer that Napoli may be unable to refuse.
Victor’s Progress
After two seasons with VFL Wolfsburg in Germany, Victor Osimhen had failed to score in 16 appearances and there was little sign of what was to come. A loan spell to Charleroi in the Belgian Pro League was far more fruitful with the young Nigerian scoring no fewer than 20 goals in 36 games across the 2018/19 season.
Despite that return, Osimhen was on the move once again as he signed a permanent deal with Lille in France for 2019/20. Once again, the striker impressed, scoring 18 goals in 38 matches in all competitions. That record marked clear progress in his career but it also alerted bigger clubs in Europe. Lille were unable to hold on to their prize asset and Victor Osimhen left to join Napoli in 2020.
While in Serie A, the Nigerian has scored 18 goals in his first 39 games. Considering the number of clubs that he’s played for in a short space of time, it’s no surprise that Osimhen is being linked with yet another move.
Napoli’s Needs
For now, Victor Osimhen remains a Napoli player and he’s vital for the club’s aims during the 2020/21 season. After the first eight games of the new campaign, the Naples club enjoyed a perfect record of eight straight wins and a Serie A title is the goal for Luciano Spalletti’s side.
Following that 100% start to the season, Napoli are the new favourites for that title with sportsbooks attached to putting Gli Azzurri ahead of Juventus, AC Milan and defending champions Inter Milan.
It will be tough for Napoli to maintain their form and those betting markets are subject to change. Each of those sportsbooks have the odds listed in their live section and sbo.net will report on any updates as the Serie A season progresses.
Readers of that site can also take in news and opinion related stories while there is also the opportunity to sign up with one of those sportsbooks if they wish. Each of the recommended panel is accepting new registrations and many of them have generous welcome packages available.
A choice of funding options and the possibility of streaming live football are among the other potential benefits. It’s a useful website to have on your side but will Napoli and Victor Osimhen be lifting that trophy at the end of the 2021/22 campaign?
Potentially Interested Clubs
A number of English Premier League clubs have previously been linked with a move for Osimhen. As recently as September 2021, Chelsea were mentioned in connection with a possible bid while there are claims that Arsenal have been interested in the past.
Newcastle United could also join in to make an English trio. The club have money and should be in the market for top level strikers very soon. Outside of the EPL, other top level European clubs should also be interested in a player of Victor Osimhen’s quality if he were to become available.
What next for Osimhen?
For the time being, Victor Osimhen needs to concentrate on the job in hand with current employers Napoli. After such a brilliant start to the new season, there is a genuine chance of landing some major silverware at the end of the campaign.
When 2021/22 comes to a conclusion, the striker can consider other options but he may well be best advised to stay where he is and to enjoy a stable period in his career.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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