'I Was Crazy For Him' - Lille Transfer Guru Campos Reveals How He Discovered Osimhen
Published: October 08, 2019
'I Was Crazy For Him' - Lille Transfer Guru Campos Reveals How He Discovered Osimhen
Lille sporting director Luis Campos has revealed that he was on the trail of Victor Osimhen for about four years before eventually signing the striker in the summer transfer window.

Campos is widely regarded as one of the top transfer chiefs in the world and is credited with unearthing talents such as
Kylian Mbappe, Nicolas Pepe, James Rodriguez, Anthony Martial, Fabinho, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy.

Campos pointed out that Osimhen would have been a player of Lille after the 2015 U17 World Cup but they were priced out of a move.

''I went to Lagos (Niger) to see the U17 World Championships. After one match I wanted him. But his price was very expensive for a 17-year-old,'' Campos said to Sky Sports.

''I spoke to my CEO. I called him every night saying, 'Please give me this player, he is amazing. In two years he will be one of the best in Europe'.

"In the end the player went to Wolfsburg. I went to Wolfsburg just to see him play. Sometimes he only played for five minutes, sometimes only two. I was crazy for him!

''Then he had a virus and had five or six months not playing and went to Charleroi in Belgium. Two months later I signed him. So itʼs a nice story. I lost the player but then got him back.''

Osimhen has made a blistering start to his career at Lille, scoring 8 goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, and Campos is tipping the Nigeria international to move to a bigger club next summer.

The Portuguese added : ''If all is normal at the end of the season there will be a big move for him because he's like a cat. You know, if you have a cat and give it a ball!

''Heʼs unbelievable. In the last 20 metres he attacks every ball. Every ball. Like a cat''.

Igho Kingsley

Source: https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=33934

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Glasgow Rangers star Joe Aribo has ended speculation over his availability for Sunday's international friendly against Brazil.

As at the time of writing this report, the versatile midfielder was at the airport waiting to board a flight to Singapore.

About two weeks ago, Aribo had emerged as a doubt for the trip to Asia after he suffered a head injury in Rangers' 1-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish League Cup.

The 23-year-old will be accompanied on the trip to Singapore by his childhood friend, CSKA Sofia's Viv Solomon-Otabor, who was handed a late call-up on Sunday as replacement for the injured Samuel Kalu.

Aribo made a dream debut against Ukraine, scoring after three minutes as the Super Eagles were forced to a 2-2 draw by the European nation and will be aiming to impress manager Gernot Rohr on Sunday if he gets game time.

Born in London, he remains eligible to represent England until he makes a competitive appearance for Nigeria, which could happen next month against Benin in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

seankafor:
afor don Simon..

Hope say u go don pass out by now via nysc

oh yes ...last week at Kubwa . It was an emotional wreckage for me but I had to still block one hangout at Kubwa to drink ....Uwa Wu otu mbia

tbaba1234:
Shehu Dikko, chairman of the League Management Company LMC, disagrees and points to other countries who have also had recent league troubles

"When last did Ghana play league football; I know for sure they have not played in over a year," he noted to ESPN.

He makes a fair point.

Ghana have not seen league football since June 2018, but their domestic players' national team does not find itself in the same sorry quagmire as Nigeria. They may have struggled slightly, needing penalties to overcome Burkina Faso, but they are still in the semifinals, at least, of the WAFU Cup of Nations Cup competition.

So perhaps, Dikko is correct and league football is not all there is to it.

Emmanuel Nyabam, a football administrator in Nigeria, independently agrees, pointing to much darker reasons

"What do you expect when match officials and club administrators compromise for matches," Nyabam tells ESPN.

"I feel sorry for Imama because he will now take the blame for what is not his fault."

And then, of course, there are those, such as coach Uni Dan Kawa, who blame it on the lack of football education at the grassroots level.

All three make good points.

Nigeria's international football provides a case study in stark contrast.

While the Nigeria team consisting of players only from the domestic league endures humiliation after humiliation -- the first squad failed to qualify for the inaugural African Nations Championship -- the main Super Eagles team is doing well, propped up by players whose skills are honed by foreign, mostly European, clubs.

In recent years, those players have been reinforced by players born, raised and developed abroad who have switched allegiances from their countries of birth.

As a matter of fact, four of the starting XI that drew 2-2 against Ukraine in a recent friendly, were diaspora-born players: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi.

But that is not as shocking as this next fact: Of the starting XI in that game, only Oghenekaro Etebo had spent significant time playing in the NPFL, with Warri Wolves. The rest went from youth academies straight to Europe.

Of the rest of the squad, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was the only other player to have spent significant time in the NPFL; he still plays in the league, for Heartland.

Just to make that clear: Only one player in the Nigeria starting XI currently played in the NPFL, and only one more in the 21-man squad currently plays in the league.

The squad that played Ukraine is not an isolated case.

The number was not significantly different in Nigeria's 23-man squad to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt: Only Etebo, Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Shehu Abdullahi and Ahmed Musa had spent significant time in the NPFL.

A deeper dive does the NPFL no favours.

Musa spent barely one year at Kano Pillars, Etebo only slightly more at Wolves.

Add this: The majority of players transferred from Nigeria to European clubs are signed mostly out of academies rather than from NPFL clubs, hence it is easy to see why the African Nations Championship and WAFU Cup of Nations Super Eagles are performing so poorly.

These numbers -- and results, including club football results at continental level -- would seem to suggest that NPFL players are nowhere near good enough to be playing international football for Nigeria. And that providing support for Gernot Rohr's refusal to integrate league players into the full national team.

Amapakabo told ESPN before the WAFU tournament that NPFL players were coached so badly that they failed to assimilate and execute tactical instructions with ease.

The three recent results suggest he may not be far from the truth, and gives rise to the thought that there is an emergency in Nigerian football; an emergency that remains as yet unacknowledged across the board.

If there is one positive that should come out of this WAFU Cup of Nations disaster for Nigeria, perhaps it should an acknowledgement that the nation's domestic football is in of the dire straits, and in need of workable, long-term fixes. POST HASTE!

We need to fix Nigeria. Performance in every sector is poor...from sports to health to education, etc. Even though we have to start with temporary solutions, we need to realize that no sector will develop independently of others and only "permanent" solutions will bring lasting change.

Basic things like automatic birth capture, security at our stadia, stability in the NFF and Ministry of Sports, etc. will improve our football and attract funding from private sources (ticket sales, jersey sales, etc). After we sort that out we can begin to televise matches, look for sponsors, etc. With time enough money will flow in to address challenges like club academies, recruitment of quality coaches and backroom staff, etc.

The thing is that all sectors must work together. It is the ministry of health that will ensure automatic birth capture and provide emergency services; it is our security forces that will ensure safety; it is our ministry of education that will ensure kids are in school so they are more visible to academies; long term, ministries of works, transport, power, etc. all have roles to play. However, many of these ministries can address some important issues in the short term while we work towards long term growth and stability.

Our attitudes too must change. Bribe taking and arrogance need to go. Players should be invited on merit and bribe taking officials should not drive them away. We must also condemn what is wrong with one voice and encourage what is right at all times. It shouldn't be a case of I hate something untill my guy does it -then I start to excuse it.

Lastly this Otabor call up is disappointing because we have players performing in better leagues. The NFF and Rohr must be open about whatever standards they want to apply when calling up players.

chrisooblog:
is it our fault that your ghanaian FA cannot organize a friendly match and keep jobless people like you busy

Look at this shatta bandle , swerve Averaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggeeeeeeeeeeee drunk

Earthquake1:


That day will never come

It is already happening

Even right now with the players switching, we can present almost a first 11 in which most are foreign born/dual citizens.

Maduka
Ebuehi, Ekong Semi Aina

Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi

Akpom Maja Lookman

tbaba1234:


It is already happening

Even right now with the players switching, we can present almost a first 11 in which most are foreign born/du

Maduka
Ebuehi, Ekong Semi Aina

Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi

Akpom Maja Lookman

This is an indictment on the NFF

We are looking for fast temporal options while our own is rotting away

Earthquake1:


Yea I believe you

If you know Eze tell him to publicly pledge his allegiance to Nigeria so we can know where he stands

A woman does not claim loyalty to a man until he has paid her bride price. There may be expressions of interest it's not commitment


Nigeria has had ample opportunity to invite Eze and if England decide to call him. Will he clutch on to wind and fresh air in the name of " l pledge to Nigeria my country - - - -

How can you commit to someone who has refused to commit to you.

Earthquake1:


This is an indictment on the NFF

We are looking for fast temporal options while our own is rotting away

So all these guys are not our own according to you.

You are being comical in your prejudice.

DrLikita12:


We need to fix Nigeria. Performance in every sector is poor...from sports to health to education, etc. Even though we have to start with temporary solutions, we need to realize that no sector will develop independently of others and only "permanent" solutions will bring lasting change.

Basic things like automatic birth capture, security at our stadia, stability in the NFF and Ministry of Sports, etc. will improve our football and attract funding from private sources (ticket sales, jersey sales, etc). After we sort that out we can begin to televise matches, look for sponsors, etc. With time enough money will flow in to address challenges like club academies, recruitment of quality coaches and backroom staff, etc.

The thing is that all sectors must work together. It is the ministry of health that will ensure automatic birth capture and provide emergency services; it is our security forces that will ensure safety; it is our ministry of education that will ensure kids are in school so they are more visible to academies; long term, ministries of works, transport, power, etc. all have roles to play. However, many of these ministries can address some important issues in the short term while we work towards long term growth and stability.

Our attitudes too must change. Bribe taking and arrogance need to go. Players should be invited on merit and bribe taking officials should not drive them away. We must also condemn what is wrong with one voice and encourage what is right at all times. It shouldn't be a case of I hate something untill my guy does it -then I start to excuse it.

Lastly this Otabor call up is disappointing because we have players performing in better leagues. The NFF and Rohr must be open about whatever standards they want to apply when calling up players.

I wish, i could like this more than once.

Earthquake1:


This is an indictment on the NFF

We are looking for fast temporal options while our own is rotting away

As long as they wear Nigeria's jersey, they are our own.

Adekanye was though

safarigirl:


Slight modification, but still, nothing to suggest Tomori was EVER willing and ready

U never criticize Nigerian born and groomed players when dey bear foreign last names na players when don abroadanize u wan criticize. Eh safari. Make those boys fine make u no talk again lol

safarigirl:
how will we write Hoogewerf on a Nigerian jersey? What is his real name abeg? Even Gozzi, is it not Gozie?

Danielnino00:



Tomori didn't hit form until he joined Derby last season.. u said it yourself that he wasn't good enough for a call up back then..

U said it yourself that players should only be called up on the basis of current outstanding performance... now u are saying we waited too long...

Were u expecting us to call him up while he was still playing for Chelsea academy?

The screen shot below is self explanatory and it was posted January 2019.

Please read and exactly what l said is what is happening now.

Dem boiz

#WAFUCUPSEMI
our bredas are currently being pummeled...
BTW it's been long here

safarigirl:
No, this rule does not apply to the foreign UK babies, only to domestic Nigerian lads

I have answered that question in depth already with a post of January 17th this year.

And what l said then is exactly what's happening now.

mostob:
#WAFUCUPSEMI

our bredas are currently being pummeled...

BTW it's been long here

At least, our bredas made the semis

wayodude:


Well explained. I think the current pysche needs to change and only we (the NFF) can get the ball rolling in that regard. No pun intended of course. Lol

I think the example we made of taking Shola Ameobi to the 2014 world cup has contributed to this problem. England fans I know laugh at us for that. We goofed big time!

I never heard any laughter but compare him Gabriel Rueben and a few other he wasn't the worst by any stretch of the imagination.

OMANBALA1:


Were you not the same person who maintained players must prove they deserve a call but now you want us to invite of all people an unproven English player...I can understand if it were Germany , France or Spain!!

Get context and the substance of the discourse before you respond.

I haven't changed in that principle.

Tomori had by January this year become outstanding beyond measure. He had become the established outstanding consistent top performing CB in the Championship.

tbaba1234:

At least, our bredas made the semis

lolz...just to make up the numbers. see wetin IMAMA do

do4luv14:



chaiii
you are the one kidding yourself, go and read my first paragraph again, but this time slowly

as for pinnick Nff its not even clear to me yet,
cos as at 2015 pinnick was a commisioner in Delta state(correct me if am wrong)

And in addition the de facto Chair of Warri Wolves as far back as 2013.

DrLikita12:


We need to fix Nigeria. Performance in every sector is poor...from sports to health to education, etc. Even though we have to start with temporary solutions, we need to realize that no sector will develop independently of others and only "permanent" solutions will bring lasting change.

Basic things like automatic birth capture, security at our stadia, stability in the NFF and Ministry of Sports, etc. will improve our football and attract funding from private sources (ticket sales, jersey sales, etc). After we sort that out we can begin to televise matches, look for sponsors, etc. With time enough money will flow in to address challenges like club academies, recruitment of quality coaches and backroom staff, etc.

The thing is that all sectors must work together. It is the ministry of health that will ensure automatic birth capture and provide emergency services; it is our security forces that will ensure safety; it is our ministry of education that will ensure kids are in school so they are more visible to academies; long term, ministries of works, transport, power, etc. all have roles to play. However, many of these ministries can address some important issues in the short term while we work towards long term growth and stability.

Our attitudes too must change. Bribe taking and arrogance need to go. Players should be invited on merit and bribe taking officials should not drive them away. We must also condemn what is wrong with one voice and encourage what is right at all times. It shouldn't be a case of I hate something untill my guy does it -then I start to excuse it.

Lastly this Otabor call up is disappointing because we have players performing in better leagues. The NFF and Rohr must be open about whatever standards they want to apply when calling up players.

Where do you start with the Nigeria problem.

Is there one sector in Nigeria that's not riddled with corruption incompetence and sharp practices.

Just tell me one please.

IMO until the people decide not accept mediocrity and corruption. It will continue.

And those who stand to correct it will become victims of persecution e.g. Sowore.

mostob:

lolz...just to make up the numbers.
see wetin IMAMA do

Ghana is leading 1:0

We shall see.

Earthquake1:


That day will never come

tbaba1234:


It is already happening

Even right now with the players switching, we can present almost a first 11 in which most are foreign born/dual citizens.

Maduka
Ebuehi, Ekong Semi Aina

Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi

Akpom Maja Lookman

You have only scratched the surface.

How many Nigerian players ex and present have dual citizenship it's over 75%. Irrespective of whether they were born in Nigeria or not.

Earthquake1:


That day will never come

The day has dawn already.

Earthquake1:


That day will never come

The day has dawn already.

Joebie:

U never criticize Nigerian born and groomed players when dey bear foreign last names na players when don abroadanize u wan criticize. Eh safari. Make those boys fine make u no talk again lol

I have seen Hoogewerf and he's fine, but the name is still off

The foreign last names Nigeria born and bred bear are English names, while I don't care much for slave names, at least the slave names are familiar, perhaps, if we had Dutch colonizers, I would find English-named players odd.

darkelf:


Baba kog45. Please stop being sentimental.

How can you tag odegbami as the best winger out of Africa. He didn't qualify for the WC neither sis he ever play in Europe. All those names you mentioned were local champions. Local as in only within Nigeria and not even Africa. Let's be honest with ourselves

Sorry bro,my opinion.

Oh sorry for saying Odegbami is the best winger to come out of Africa but you know what i rated him as the best based on my own assessment.

Oh those names are local champions abi,well am a local man who watched afcon 1980,followed Nigeria league with a passion throughout 80s,90s and part of 2000s and till today i still follows the beautiful game and i can say much about Nigeria football.

Respect bro.

Humility017:


but they play beautiful football....and there was no away loss mentality as it is now.

the local guys played good football.... and the coaches were learned.

do you know that the enyimba squad of 2003/2004 was greatly loved and followed by Nigerians....all over.
I so much love that team even though I was bendel insurance fan...

chief obaseki was far better than what is obtained now....
during his time the NPL as it was called then even signed an agreement with the EPL...
GLO then was the league sponsor with close to 200M naira as the league progress MTN came on board willing to sponsor the league with over 400M naira it was a serious fight between both network providers....

I just don't know what happened...the league just died once

cc: KOG45

The league is dead.

tbaba1234:


Ghana is leading 1:0

3:0 now,...ivory coast Bleep up. they had the game under control at first half