FIFA U20 World Cup: Can Nigeria unearth another Osimhen in Chile?
Ten years ago in Chile, the world witnessed the rise of a Nigerian prodigy: Victor Osimhen.
The young striker lit up the FIFA U17 World Cup with a record-breaking 10 goals, earning the Golden Boot and setting the stage for a meteoric career.
Today, Osimhen stands tall as one of the most feared forwards in global football, once ranked the most valuable African player and still Nigeria’s most prized football export.
His impact at Napoli was historic. In the 2022/23 season, Osimhen’s 26 goals powered the club to its first Scudetto in 33 years. He clinched the Serie A top scorer award, becoming the first African to do so, and left Italy as the highest-scoring Nigerian in the league’s history.
His move to Galatasaray only extended his legacy, as he immediately claimed the Super Lig top scorer title in his debut season.
Now, a decade later, Nigeria returns to Chile, this time for the U20 competition. The question on every fan’s mind: Can Nigeria produce another Osimhen?
Here are six promising forwards who could rise to the occasion: Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Sani Suleman (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Charles Agaba (NK Istra, Croatia) and Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City FC, England)
Each of these young talents carries the potential to follow in Osimhen’s footsteps. Whether it’s the raw power of Maigana, the European experience of Oseer and Suleman, or the pedigree of Shitu Ele at Manchester City, the stage is set for a new hero to emerge.
