Former Torino forward Osarimen Giulio Ebagua has weighed in on the brilliance of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, two of Nigeria’s most outstanding footballers today, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen and Lookman have risen to global prominence, thanks to their incredible exploits in Serie A in recent times.
Osimhen was instrumental in leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in over three decades, claiming numerous awards and setting records, including becoming the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot.
In 2023, Osimhen was crowned African Footballer of the Year and linked with major European clubs.
Currently on loan at Galatasaray after a failed Chelsea transfer, the striker has once again attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal. However, a move is unlikely before the summer.
Ebagua, who was born in Benin City, Nigeria, acknowledged Osimhen’s undeniable impact, even though he admitted the Super Eagles striker isn’t his favourite stylistically.
“I have to be honest: I didn’t particularly like him from a technical and stylistic point of view, but he always stands out for the many goals he scores,” Ebagua said, as reported by Europa Calcio.
“Osimhen is a certainty in every team he plays for, including the national team. Even if I’m not crazy about him from a technical point of view, the numbers speak for him.”
While Osimhen’s form dipped slightly in the first half of 2024, Lookman stepped into the spotlight.
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The Atalanta winger guided his team to their first-ever Europa League title and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Lookman’s remarkable form has continued this season, with 10 goals and 5 assists in just 18 Serie A games, propelling Atalanta into an unexpected Scudetto race.
The 27-year-old capped 2024 by succeeding Osimhen as African Footballer of the Year and was the only African nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
Ebagua, who currently plays for Serie D club Città di Varese, believes Lookman is currently Africa’s best player and predicts a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs next season.
“He’s the strongest African footballer by far,” Ebagua stated.
“He has incredible qualities and can always improve, aiming for the top. Lookman is a phenomenon in terms of characteristics. He can play anywhere and is extraordinary as a human being.
“Next year, I think he should leave Atalanta, even though the club is doing well. In my personal opinion, Lookman can aspire to Real Madrid, Manchester [United], Barcelona—wherever he wants. He will improve further and raise the bar even higher.”
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano has also thrown his weight behind Lookman, suggesting Napoli should sign him as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently joined PSG.