The former Nigeria international would have loved to see his younger compatriot move to the most glamorous league in the world, but he is convinced the youngster can still thrive in Italy
Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Peter Odemwingie has backed Victor Osimhen to be a hit at Napoli, even if he preferred the former Wolfsburg man joined a Premier League club instead.
Odemwingie, who played in Belgium before becoming a star at Lille from where he moved to the EPL, had watched Osimhen’s career follow a similar trajectory.
Osimhen excelled at Belgian side Sporting Charleroi and signed for Lille last year.
The youngster was equally proficient in front of goal for Les Dogues and attracted several suitors across Europe, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United reported to be interested in his services at some point.
Serie A giants Napoli eventually won the race for Osimhen’s signature, and Odemwingie was left a little disappointed at not seeing the youngster terrorize defenders in England.
“When you see the numbers, they are talking about Osimhen, the goals he scored last season in France for Lille, then he should be a Premier League player,” Odemwingie told Brila FM, as per Complete Sports.
“Maybe there was no offer from the Premier League because mid-table teams in England can’t afford him.”
Odemwingie never played in the Italian top-flight, but he knows how good the league is, having faced the likes of AC Milan in his prime.
And the retired forward believes his 21-year-old countryman can develop further at Napoli and become an even important asset for the Super Eagles.
“He can do well in the Serie A too because he is one of the top strikers in Europe at the moment,” the former West Brom attacker added.
“His move to Napoli is good too. They have a great history because Diego Maradona played there. They have also been consistent in recent times, and they have a solid team.
“Italy is also a very tough league with the best defenders, so I think Osimhen will further develop there, and that will be very good for the national team too.”
Victor Osimhen has featured in two league matches for Gennaro Gattuso’s side, but he is yet to open his Serie A account, having fired blanks against Parma and Genoa.
But his performances have received a lot of applause, and the former Golden Eaglets star will look to find the back of the net when Napoli square up against Juventus this weekend.
