Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that star striker Victor Osimhen was deliberately left out of Nigeria’s squads for the recent Unity Cup and the international friendly against Russia to protect him during a crucial transfer window.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Chelle described Osimhen as “the best striker in the world” but acknowledged the immense pressure the forward has faced throughout the season.
“For him, it’s difficult to come for this game because he’s just played a season under a lot of pressure. The reality is that we are in a transfer window, and during this time, a player like him can’t be fully focused.
I need to protect him both physically and mentally because he might be on the verge of a transfer — maybe to a club like Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, or Real Madrid. He needs to concentrate on that,” Chelle said.
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The 26-year-old striker has been Nigeria’s main attacking outlet in recent years, boasting an impressive record of 26 goals in 41 appearances. Osimhen enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray last season, scoring 36 goals in 40 matches and helping the Turkish giants secure a domestic double.
Victor Osimhen (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Amid the ongoing speculation about his next club, former Chelsea defender William Gallas has publicly backed a move for Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.
“I would be signing Osimhen, all day long, every day, twice on Sunday! I know what he can do, I know what he can bring to the Chelsea squad,” Gallas told BBC Sport Africa.
“I think he’d be perfect for the wingers there, because they aren’t the kind that just send in crosses. They come inside and shoot, or look for a pass.”
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Chelsea, along with Manchester United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, are among the clubs reportedly interested in the Nigerian forward, who is widely regarded as one of the most promising strikers in world football.
