Former Nigeria International Grateful Victor Osimhen Didn’t End Up Like Sam Okwaraji

The Lille striker suffered severe chest pains during a Coupe de la Ligue tie in midweek but has since been discharged from hospital with ex-international Etim Esin thankful that the incident did not cost him his life.

The former Lokeren attacking midfielder expressed his delight at finding out that Victor Osimhen was fine to continue playing football after the Super Eagles forward was rushed to the hospital during a Cup game for his club.

Osimhen started and scored the opener for Lille against Monaco after only 19 minutes of play in a Coupe de la Ligue match on Tuesday, a game which eventually ended 3-0 in favour of Les Dogues. The striker then went down in pains four minutes later after suffering what appears to be chest pains and dizziness.

The former Sporting Charleroi striker was quickly substituted and rushed to the hospital to receive medical attention. He was, however, given a clean bill of health and allowed to return to training two days later.

It was a scare that reminded many Nigerians of the event of 12 August 1989 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos when star midfielder Sam Okwaraji collapsed and died of congestive heart failure in the 77th minute of a World Cup qualification match against Angola.

Oron-born Etim Esin, regarded by some as one of the most gifted players in Nigeria’s football history, has however called for Osimhen to be given more time to fully recuperate from his medical setback.

Speaking to The Interview, a grateful Esin said:

“He should be given a little time off the pitch for now; thank God he is okay now, it could have been worse.

“We had players like Sam Okwaraji in the past, Vivian Foe of Cameroon and some others who just slumped like that and didn’t come out alive.

“He should be allowed to recuperate and get his confidence back because when you experience such a situation, you have to really gain back your confidence. At the moment he will be panicked.”

Lille are set to face Monaco yet again at the Stade Louis II, this time in a Ligue 1 encounter on Saturday night and it is left to be seen if Victor Osimhen would feature for the visitors.