Mikel Obi Insists Victor Osimhen Can Survive In EPL

Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi is hoping that his countryman, Victor Osimhen would leave Napoli for Chelsea as he stressed that the striker has all it takes to survive in the Premier League.

Mikel Obi who made his name in club football at Chelsea said via the most recent episode of The Obi One podcast that Osimhen would excel as a footballer if he joined the Blues next summer.

Since the end of last season in which Victor Osimhen scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 32 league games, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker has attracted interest from some major clubs across the world.

There was rumoured interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, but Napoli’s hefty financial demands ultimately frustrated the purported moves.

Osimhen who has scored 6 goals and provided an assist in ten games in all competitions so far this season still has until June 30, 2025, before his current contract with Napoli expires.

He was close to agreeing to a contract extension deal when negotiations stalled over issues with the player’s salary demands, and a potential release clause.

Due to their most recent TikTok fight, the striker’s future at the club is also in doubt.

Hence, Mikel Obi who is a member of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, said Osimhen would perform very well in the Premier League.

“I think he (Osimhen) will seamlessly fit into the Premier League. He got the tools to be a success in England,” Mikel Obi said.

“When I look back at him a few years ago, I would say ‘no.’ But now watching him last season and watching him this season, I would say definitely he would come into the Premier League and he would slot right in. He would get you goals, he would run behind defenders, he would stretch the team and I think this is what probably when you look at a lot of the teams now in the Premier League, that’s what they’re looking for, a striker who can run, who wants to run behind the defenders because it helps your team. Doesn’t it? He stretches the defenders, the game becomes open and then you can create chances. And I think that’s what Victor (Osimhen) would definitely give you.

“I hope he comes to Chelsea. But from the noises that I hear, he is a big United fan. But I hope he comes to Chelsea really.”