It’s another summer transfer and Nigerian players will be hoping for lucrative moves – just like their colleagues from other parts of the world.
For Chinedu Obasi, he will be aiming to re-launch his career after more than a year of inactivity.
The erstwhile Super Eagles forward is currently a free agent after being released by German side FC Schalke 04 at the end of the 2014/15 season.
In his three years at the Veltins-Arena, Obasi was constantly plagued by injuries and only managed four goals in 34 games in all competitions.
But his true qualities were visible prior to joining The Miners from Hoffenheim in 2012 where he notched an impressive 25 goals in 91 Bundesliga appearances.
In Norway, he was also a prolific goalscorer with Lyn Oslo, which once had had Super Eagles skipper, John Obi Mikel, on their payroll.
Obasi found the back of the next 16 times in 29 appearances in the Norwegian Tippeligaen – averaging one goal in every two games.
It was this form that earned him the Kniksen Award in 2006 for the best young player in the league and also recognition with the Nigeria national team.
But over the past season, the 30-year-old has struggled to earn a contract – with clubs like Sunderland FC, Eintracht Frankfurt and SV Waldhof all bowing out at the final stage.
The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist could, however, be headed back to the Scandinavian nation if reports in the country is anything to go by.
According to Norwegian website Nrk.no, Lillestrom are desperate to add the Nigerian to their ranks after impressing in a test game against Valerenga.
Obasi grabbed a brace in the 3-2 loss to the amazement of Lillestrom boss, Runar Kristinsson, who described him as a “true professional”.
“I hope to sign him but we will sit down with him the next few days but finally, it is up to the board,” Kristinsson told the website.
“He has shown good form and he wants to get out there again.
“He has experience at a high level, and he brings experience to the younger boys. He is a true professional and a role model.”
Should the former Enugu Rangers star move to the Åråsen Stadion, he will link-up with compatriot, Fred Friday, who has scored 12 goals thus far.
