The debate continues to rage like wild fire in bars, viewing centres, newspapers stands and even on social media as to which of these two talented youngsters is better than the other and which of the two proud footballing countries that now present them – England or Nigeria – is the happier?
It appears as though Tammy’s decision to play for the Three Lions and not the Super Eagles have added more fuel to the burning debate.
But beyond the pain of being snubbed for a better developed country and a more advanced system, and above the housewives fables and beer parlour tales trailing that particular snub, the question needs to be asked: Is Tammy Abraham better at the beautiful game than Victor Osimhen?
The answer to that is not set in stone just yet and it’s too early in the season – even in their respective careers – to judge one as better than the other.
Truth is, both of the Nigerian born lads have enjoyed flying starts to the 2019/20 campaign. Victor Osimhen has taken to the French League like an Eskimo to Snow Island since moving there in the summer, banging in goals seemingly at will and taking up the headline spaces reserved for the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Memphis Depay and Neymar Jr.
Almost identical to what Tammy Abraham has been doing in the English Premier League. While the 22-year-old is no stranger to English football, it’s been exciting watching him rub shoulders on the goalscorer’s chart with established, big money signings like Sergio Aguero, Alexander Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Anthony Martial, Roberto Firmino and outshining many of them.
It was even more beautiful seeing both Tammy and Victor score great goals in the UEFA Champions League, each giving the middle finger to critics who raised questions as to whether the prolific young talents could replicate their league forms in Europe’s premier club competition.
Against Valencia on Tuesday in Lille’s Match Day 4 tie with the Spaniards, Osimhen scored another fantastic goal that displayed some of his finest attributes: awareness to capitalize on defensive errors, burst of pace to dust defenders off his heels, close control to caress the ball at top speed and finishing instincts to guide the ball past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Abraham, on the other hand, may not have scored in Chelsea’s unbelievable 4-4 draw – aside that unfortunate own goal – at home to Ajax, his goal away to Watford is still earning rave reviews as one of the best strikes of the last weekend.
One thing is near certain, barring any long term injuries and misfortunes, both Tammy Abraham and Victor Osimhen will keep scoring for their respective clubs and countries.
It’s only sad that both will never team up to lead the Super Eagles attack. But there are still positives to be drawn from Tammy’s decision to star for Gareth Southgate’ team.
Although, Abraham may find it a bit difficult to dislodge England’s captain Harry Kane from the Three Lions striking role, Nigerian fans can still be proud to see one of the own playing for the Queen’s country.
Victor Osimhen though, having been likened to the great Rashidi Yekini, have big shoes to fill and it would be interesting to see the Lille starlet lead the attack for a new-breed of young, hungry Super Eagles team about to be unleashed on the rest of Africa and, ultimately, the whole world.
It’s a win-win situation for Nigeria and that’s the best any one of us can ask for.
