'If Man Utd or Arsenal get Osimhen' – Nigeria's youngest-ever World Cup player echoes Rio Ferdinand's wish

Femi Opabunmi, Nigeria's youngest-ever World Cup player at 17 years and 101 days, has lent his voice to calls for Victor Osimhen to join a Premier League giant, echoing sentiments earlier expressed by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

Opabunmi became the youngest player to represent the Super Eagles at the World Cup in 2002 when he started against a star-studded England side featuring Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, David Seaman, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.

He believes the Napoli striker is far superior to some of Europe’s highly-rated forwards, including Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.

"Osimhen is better than them (Viktor Gyokeres and Alexandre Isak),” Opabunmi told allnigeriasoccer.com. 

"Why did I say he's better than them? You will see his work rate on the field. Osimhen is always hungry for a goal.

"He was always serious and put 150 percent on the field. You can see his reaction, he's always eager to move."

Opabunmi believes that Osimhen’s all-round commitment and relentless desire to score goals makes him a perfect fit for English football, and insists that Manchester United or Arsenal would be transformed by his presence.

"That's what makes him ahead of them and with his scoring ability. If Manchester United or Arsenal get Osimhen, he can give them what they want. So, I agree with Rio Ferdinand," he added.

Victor Osimhen is reportedly close to sealing a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, despite being linked with multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

The English sides were keen on the Nigerian striker but ultimately backed out of any potential deal due to his high wage demands.

However, the former Shooting Stars winger also addressed the current transfer speculation surrounding the Nigerian striker, especially the challenges posed by salary negotiations.

"In the Osimhen aspect, he can't reduce his wages to play in the Premier League. 

"But when we talk in reality, when you count the top strikers in the world at the moment, he’s one of them. I don't think he should disvalue himself," Opabunmi said.

He criticized the disparity in player wages, arguing that Osimhen deserves more respect from potential suitors.

"Someone that's not up to his standard we see the wages they're giving them. 

"I respect his decision, he cannot devalue himself, he's a former African footballer of the Year and a very hot striker at the moment in Europe.”

While supporting the Nigerian striker’s stance, Opabunmi emphasized the need to respect Osimhen’s talent, stating that asking him to accept a pay cut is akin to ridiculing his worth.

"It is like they want to ridicule him. They will sign an average player and give him a higher salary than Osimhen. 

"I respect his opinion. I think they have to respect him. They have to respect the fact that he's one of the best strikers in the world,” he concluded.

Adeyemi Adewale

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