Victor Osimhen is one of the hottest strikers in Europe right now. The Napoli and Super Eagles star has scored 18 goals in 25 games this season, attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. But where should he go next?
According to Colin Udoh, a former Super Eagles Media Officer and ESPN pundit, Osimhen should snub Manchester United and join Chelsea instead. Udoh argues that Chelsea has a history of treating Nigerian players well, and that Osimhen would fit in perfectly with the Blues’ style of play.
Chelsea’s Nigerian connection
Udoh points out that Chelsea has been a home for many Nigerian legends, such as Celestine Babayaro, Mikel Obi, and Victor Moses. All of them won several trophies with the London club, and enjoyed the support of the fans and the management.
“Chelsea, interestingly, have been really good to Nigerian players,” Udoh said on ESPN FC Extra Time. “Celestine Babayaro has been there, did great; John Mikel Obi went there and did great and Mike Emenalo even when he wasn’t a player was there and did good. His son is even now being fast-tracked to the youth ranks at Chelsea.”
Udoh believes that Osimhen would be welcomed and appreciated at Chelsea, unlike at Manchester United, where he thinks the striker would struggle to adapt and perform.
“I think Chelsea will be a great place for Victor Osimhen. The one place I wouldn’t like to see him go no matter what happens or no matter how much money they give him is Manchester United.”
Chelsea’s need for a striker
Another reason why Udoh thinks Osimhen should join Chelsea is that the Blues are in need of a reliable goalscorer. Despite having a talented squad, Chelsea has been inconsistent this season, mainly due to their lack of firepower up front.
Osimhen could be the ideal candidate for Chelsea, as he has proven his ability to score in different leagues and competitions. He has also shown his versatility, as he can play as a lone striker, or partner with another forward.
Osimhen’s pace, power, and finishing would complement Chelsea’s creative midfielders, such as Raheem Starling Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku, and make them a more dangerous team in attack.
Osimhen’s AFCON challenge
Before Osimhen can think about his club future, he has a more immediate challenge ahead of him: the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. Osimhen is currently with the Nigerian senior men’s national team, which has qualified for the round of 16 of the continental tournament.
His expected to lead the line when the Super Eagles face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday, in a rematch of the 2019 quarter-final, which Nigeria won 3-2.
Osimhen will be hoping to add to his tally of two goals in the group stage, and help Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals. A good performance at the AFCON could also boost his chances of securing a big move in the summer, whether it is to Chelsea or another club.