As Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen continues in his rich vein of form that has seen him score 17 goals in 18 Serie A games this season for table toppers Napoli, the talks have been about the forward winning the Africa player of the year.
That statement was made more popular by Roma coach Jose Mourinho, who said the forward has it in him to eclipse the performance of legendary Ivorian striker Didier Drogba. He even said he sees the Nigerian also winning the Africa player of the year award just like Drogba did in his playing days.
Ironically Osimhen idolizes the Ivorian and sees him as his role model. He made this known way back in 2015 when he emerged as the top scorer at the U17 World Cup where Nigeria emerged as champions.
Reacting, former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro said it makes no sense for Osimhen to be in contention for just Africa player of the year as he has done enough to be mentioned in the category of Ballon d’or.
“If you ask the top three strikers in the world right now. Osimhen will definitely get a mention, so why is he not in the conversation for the best in the world? I don’t agree with Mourinho on that only. Osimhen should be in the conversation for the best player in the world”, Babayaro told OGN.
Buttressing his position, he said it’s clear to see that Osimhen is piloting Napoli to their first league title since the 80’s, an extraordinary achievement that should give him an edge in the debate at the end of the season if Napoli emerge as champions.
” Napoli for all they have achieved in recent times didn’t win the league title. It’s only normal for Osimhen to be given a shout if this extraordinary feat comes to pass. He is the modern day Maradona in the city of Naples”, he rounded up saying.
Waziri Damian.
