PROFILE: Chinedu Obasi
Posted on | May 17, 2009 | No Comments
Who?: A creative Nigerian midfielder at the heart of a group of players who inspired the shock rise of German Bundesliga club 1899 Hoffenheim. Also know as ‘Edu’, he’s 22 and can play in the middle or on the wing. Supplied plenty of assists to star front man Vedad Ibisevic, although the Bosnian’s long-term injury saw the team slide down the table in the second half of this season.
Some stats: 5ft 11” and able to score as well as create. Joined Hoffenheim in 2007 as part of a collection of cleverly-scouted young Africans who have helped the club go from obscurity to major players in the top German division. Has hit 18 goals in 48 appearances for them. Has appeared 15 times for Nigeria, scoring twice.
Clubs interested: Almost joined Lokomotiv Moscow from Norwegian club Lyn in 2007 but the deal fell through. His performances for Hoffenheim have re-ignited international interest and he’s been linked to Chelsea and Celtic.
Has been compared to: There’s been the odd Okocha whisper. Looks a bit more inclined to track back into midfield than his predecessor. Plenty of skill though.
They say: “He impressed in the U-20 World Youth Championships in the Netherlands in 2005, and scored in both the semi-final and the final, where Nigeria played against Argentina. He played a key role in the Dream Team IV Olympic squad.” – allafrica.com
Other facts: First came to Europe, and Norway, as part of a trio of Nigerians which included current Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikkel.
Video: Some handy scouting highlights from his time in Norway
Chris Breese
Photo: Kjetil Ree CC
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Tags: Celtic > chelsea > Chinedu Obasi > Hoffenheim. Bundesliga
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