Oseni: A 'bargain' for Song Lam Nghe An

A nomad with a glorious past

Few people know that Oseni was one of the players who beat Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea in the penalty shootout at the 2007 U17 World Cup final. In that tournament, Oseni and his teammates successively defeated France, Colombia, Argentina, Germany, and of course Spain to win the U17 World Championship. Over his 15-year playing career, this Nigerian player, born in 1991, has played for 15 clubs, and Song Lam Nghe An is the 16th club he has played for.

Oseni was the top scorer in the National Championship in 2018 with 17 goals. Photo: Internet

Among the clubs he played for were those from Asia, Africa, and Europe, some unknown, some famous, but Vietnam was where he spent most of his football career. It wasn't until he joined Hanoi FC in the 2017 V-League that Oseni truly found his place. His 41 goals in 53 matches across all competitions brought him his first titles. Winning the 2018 V-League championship and becoming the top scorer with 17 goals further solidified the Nigerian striker's value.

However, a serious injury in the 2019 V-League season severed the relationship between Hanoi FC and Oseni. After more than two years away from Vietnam, he returned to the country at the beginning of the 2022 V-League season. It seemed as though Oseni would once again play for Hanoi FC. However, a sudden change on the coaching staff meant Oseni was no longer in the capital city team's plans, replaced instead by new signings from Europe.

Having a connection with Song Lam Nghe An

Seizing that opportunity, the Song Lam Nghe An leadership acted quickly.signed a contract with OseniOseni replaces striker Basit, who scored one goal in two V-League matches but didn't contribute much to the team's overall play. Acquiring Oseni gives Song Lam Nghe An a true "killer" in the penalty area.

Oseni quickly found common ground with the duo of Olaha and Phan Văn Đức, forming a formidable attacking trident for Song Lam Nghe An. With Oseni, Song Lam Nghe An's attacking style became much more diverse and varied. From wing attacks to direct assaults or quick counter-attacks, Oseni's excellent physical fitness, good positioning, strength, and diverse finishing remain his standout qualities.

From an assist by Sy Hoang, Oseni scored in the match between Song Lam Nghe An and Hong Linh Ha Tinh. Photo: Chung Nguyen.

Despite having only played 6 matches for Song Lam Nghe An, Oseni has already directly contributed to 4 goals for the Nghe An team (3 goals, 1 assist). In addition, he has repeatedly tormented opposing defenses with his powerful yet skillful dribbling. Not only does he participate in the attack, but Oseni also actively contributes to the defense with his fierce aerial duels and passionate challenges in the opponent's half.

Sharing his thoughts on his new home, Song Lam Nghe An, Oseni said: “As soon as Song Lam Nghe An offered me a contract, I agreed immediately because I was eager to play and Song Lam Nghe An is a big team in the V-League.” The Nigerian player also felt that the Nghe An fans were hospitable and enthusiastic. The affection of his new teammates, especially the young players, made him feel like the Nghe An team was his second family, and that had a great impact on his performance on the field.

A day to reunite with my old team.

WithLam River, Nghe AnHanoi FC boasts one of the best defenses in the V-League currently (having conceded only 6 goals). Although Song Lam Nghe An won their most recent encounter, their record in the last 10 matches shows a complete disadvantage for the Nghe An team (8 losses - 1 draw - 1 win). This weekend's match between Hanoi FC and Song Lam Nghe An will be a top-tier clash in the V-League standings, where there is no room for error and players must make the most of every opportunity.

Oseni during his early training days with his teammates at Song Lam Nghe An. Photo: Chung Nguyen.

In the upcoming match against Hanoi FC, Oseni and his teammates at Song Lam Nghe An will have to do their best to break through a formidable defense featuring many players who are current or former national team members (Tan Truong, Van Kien, Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Doan Van Hau). This is also an opportunity for Oseni to prove to the capital city team that he is not past his prime and is still one of the outstanding attacking threats in the V-League.

Ahead of this special match, when asked about his feelings facing his former team, Hanoi FC, Oseni said: “This is a big match for me and the whole team. Song Lam Nghe An and Hanoi FC are both strong teams with their own advantages. We will try our best to win.”

It can be said thatOseniThis is a sensible move by the management of the Nghe An team and has partially resolved the long-standing concerns about foreign players for Song Lam Nghe An. If he continues to maintain the form he has shown, Oseni will be one of the key factors helping Song Lam Nghe An achieve a good position in the V-League 2022 standings.