Osimhen vs Delap, now Osimhen vs Hugo: Is there a UK media agenda brewing?

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has garnered attention in the UK football community, having been linked with several clubs in the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen's name continues to pop up in comparisons with European footballers by the UK media, which has left many scratching their heads.

Earlier, the Nigerian was likened to former Manchester City youngster Liam Delap, and now he is facing a side-by-side analysis with Hugo Ekitike by Sky Sports.

In fact, a comment was previously made by former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, who seemed to prefer the former Preston loanee to the Nigeria international.

“I know Osimhen is a talented player. That’s only my worry on Osimhen — whether he has that sort of hunger anymore. With Delap, I see a young, hungry player. Certainly, Ipswich are going down, but he’s been a shining light in that Ipswich team, so I’d take Delap over Osimhen,” he said, as cited by Chelsea News.

For some, Osimhen's comparison with the English international has been seen as disrespectful, while others have expressed a preference for the Ipswich player.

Now, the Nigerian star has been linked with a move to Liverpool, and Sky Sports has recently shared a post comparing him with France forward Hugo Ekitike.

Hugo Ekitike or Victor Osimhen?

Who should Liverpool sign this summer? ✍️#SaturdaySocial pic.twitter.com/8mA91KpwU5

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2025

As these comparisons resurface, it’s worth asking if there is a deliberate narrative being pushed by segments of the UK media to undermine the Super Eagles star.

Osimhen vs Hugo Ekitike: A Disrespect to the Nigerian?

The latest episode in this saga involves Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, pitting the young Frenchman against Osimhen, a Serie A winner and former African Footballer of the Year.

This season, the young forward has scored 21 goals in 44 appearances for Frankfurt, compared to Osimhen's 29 goals in 34 appearances.

Granted, the 22-year-old has plenty of potential, but Osimhen, who turns 26 this year, has been consistently impressive since joining Napoli from LOSC Lille.

Before Hugo, it was Ipswich’s Liam Delap. In both cases, the comparisons appear to be driven more by local hype than by any logical footballing metrics.

 

Is There a Subtle Agenda?

This recurring trend prompts deeper reflection. Is the media’s treatment of Osimhen part of a broader tendency to downplay non-European or African talent while elevating local prospects?

While not all coverage is malicious, the pattern of lopsided comparisons feeds into a narrative that diminishes Osimhen’s stature — intentionally or otherwise.