The decision makers at Italian side Bari believes they have unearthed the next big thing in Nigerian football in Hemsley Akpa-Chukwu, so convinced that he has been tagged the next Victor Osimhen by his Italian agent Domenico Daniele, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
13 minutes into his first game at senior level, the 18 year old showed why he is seen in the same light as the Napoli forward in the nearest future by scoring the help his side draw 1-1 against Pisa in the Serie B.
“Due to the physicality he has, he can already be among the greats – a satisfied coach Michele Mignani said at the final whistle. “I threw him into the mix for this too. He was in the right place and at the right time”. His goal helped the team to avoid a first defeat of the season.
For followers of Bari, the goal won’t come as a surprise considering how lethal he has been for Federico Giampaolo ‘s Primavera team, Akpa-Chukwu has scored 20 goals in 15 games before turning 18 two months ago.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Cameroonian mother, he is eligible for both countries but if the word of his agent is anything to go by, his intention and interest is to play for the senior national team of Nigeria, where he will be hoping to line up alongside his idol Osimhen.
“Model? Easy to spot. ” It’s set for Osimhen – explains Daniele – but now he has to turn the page and think only about what he does on the pitch”, he said.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
