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| | Week 16 Spotlight: Victor Victorious | Monday 19 December, 2005 |
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 Player of the Week: Obinna (Chievo)
Victor Obinna scored his third goal of the season for Chievo against Udinese on Sunday to highlight why Inter are eager to acquire his services when the transfer window opens next month.
Although Obinna’s goal came from the penalty spot, the fact that the striker took the responsibility himself is a testament to the influence this 18-year-old already has on the Verona-based side.
The Nigerian was a complete unknown when he joined in the summer from African champions Enyimba on a three-year contract, although he had already attracted the attention of Inter, for whom he had trials for earlier in the year.
Indeed, the Nerazzurri helped the Flying Donkeys pay for their new acquisition in return for part ownership of his registration and this was clearly a shrewd move on their part, given that the Nerazzurri have since admitted their desire to sign the emerging star to cover for the absence of Obafemi Martins - who leaves for the African Nations Cup next month.
Unfortunately for Inter, though, such has been Obinna’s meteoric rise that he, too, has been selected for the Nigeria squad and may also be absent on international duty.
Now Obinna is at something of a crossroads in his fledgling career. Does he leave to play for his country, does he make a dream move to Inter or does he stay at Chievo where he will get regular football and continue his footballing education?
Obinna has already become a crowd favourite in Verona and, like his potential Nigeria and Inter teammate, celebrates his goals by throwing himself into a series of back-flips and spectacular somersaults.
However, the teenage sensation is keeping his feet firmly on the ground: "I’m very happy with how my season is going, this is a great moment for me and I hope it continues for as long as possible," said Obinna recently.
"My impact with this level of the game has been made easy though thanks to the support of my teammates, who I get on well with," added the young striker. "I also must thank the Coach who continues to give me a lot of advice in training and during games."
Obinna can rest assured that Coach Beppe Pillon will be advising his charge to stay put for the time being, both for his own and his club’s benefit. "I hope Victor Obinna will stay with us for the entire season," said Pillon after the win over Udinese. "I don’t believe he’s ready for a January move to Inter, as he’s still very young."
Only time will tell, but whichever direction Obinna does decide to take, it is sure that he is destined for great things.
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Goal of the Week: Shevchenko (Milan)
When they are hot, Milan are blistering hot and Andriy Shevchenko’s goal was an example of what happens when the Rossoneri click. Style, vision, clever interplay and lethal finishing were all in evidence as Sheva, Alberto Gilardino and Kaka exchanged a series of impudent flicks and back-heels before the Ukrainian striker rifled his shot past Messina goalkeeper Marco Storari for Milan’s second goal. |
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Number of the Week: 100
The number of seconds it took for Inter to take the lead in their 4-0 win over Reggina. Ivan Cordoba pounced to score his third goal of the season after Juan Sebastian Veron’s free-kick reached him in a crowded penalty area. |
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| Words: Richard Aikman |
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