Striker Victor Osimhen has given his stamp of approval to fellow Nigerian Christian Ebere, the newest signing for Liga MX giants Cruz Azul. The two were teammates on the Nigeria youth team that won a world title in 2015 - and a decade later, the Galatasaray forward still remembers Ebere’s work ethic vividly.
After the Turkish team’s Champions League win over Juventus on Tuesday, Osimhen spoke about his longtime friend.
Osimhen lauds “top talent”
“He’s a brother, he’s a top guy, I like him - and he’s a workaholic,” the 27-year-old told TNT Sports. “He’s always running, in the gym he’s always there, he’s the last player to leave after the training is done. I’m really happy he’s doing his thing and actualizing his dreams.”
Osimhen added of Ebere: “He has a big lion heart, I think he can survive in any league, and he’s a top talent. I’m really happy for him and I wish him all the very best. Wherever he goes, I’ll support the club.”
Osimhen also gave a nod to Liga MX, mentioning that he once chatted with Ebere about the possibility of moving to Mexico to try his luck in a league that, in his view, is “very difficult”.
Eleven years ago, the pair were part of Nigeria’s title‑winning run at the U‑17 World Cup in Chile. They faced Mexico in the semifinals, with both players scoring in the Super Eagles’ 4-2 victory. Nigeria would go on to lift the trophy against Mali, with Osimhen finding the net again in the final.
After becoming a fan favorite at Nacional in Uruguay, Ebere now takes on a new challenge in his career. Few African players make the jump to Liga MX, but as his former teammate has already confirmed, he has the tools to deliver big results.