Conflicting reports have emerged over the appearance of former Schalke 04 of Germany winger, Chinedu ‘Ogbuke’ Obasi at Lillestrøm SK of Norway, as one report claims he has signed with the Tippeligaen side but another says the star has denied it.
One version of the report by allnigeriasoccer.com indicates that ‘Edu’ has denied media reports that he has signed a deal with Lillestrom and insists he is only training with the club in order to keep fit during the off-season.
The website had, however, previously reported that the winger-cum-attacker, who has also played for Lyn Oslo of Norway and TSG Hoffenheim of Germany, might sign a short-term deal with Lillestrøm.
A deal with The Canaries at that time, though, was said to be dependent on if he proves during training that he is in tip-top condition, but the 30-year-old has now stated that an agreement is yet to be reached.
“I have not signed a contract with Lillestrøm, I am just training here to keep fit. So, I don’t know where the story is coming from,” Obasi told allnigeriasoccer.com on Thursday.
Incidentally, the official website of Lillestrom has not announced any contract for Obasi, but all this is in contrast with an earlier report by owngoalnigeria.com, which quoted the player as saying he has sealed a deal with the Norwegian club.
The report stated further that Obasi has retraced his footsteps back to Norway where he began his European career nine years ago and signed a short term deal with Lillestrøm.
Though Obasi has not played competitive football since 2014, when he was released by Schalke and missed a deal with Sunderland of England last season, he apparently received a chance to resurrect his career thanks to Lillestrom’s sporting director, Torgeir Bjarmann.
The report affirms that Obasi continues finding favour with Bjarmann, who was also sporting director at Lyn Oslo during the star’s time with the club from 2004 to 2007.
With memories of how Obasi scored 14 goals from 29 games before he was sold to Hoffeinheim Bjarmann was reportedly excited to accord him a chance at Lillestrom.
It is now expected that the once bubbling player will team up with two young Nigerians – defensive midfielder, Bonke Innocent and in-form forward, Friday Fred, who is currently top scorer in the league.
The deal is said to have been sealed after Obasi impressed during a trial process with the club and the player is said to have stated that he is keen on discovering his old self in the Tippeligaen.
“The Norwegian league is good, and it will fit me suit me better for now. This is a great chance for me to come back. I’m injury free, but need some time to get in shape. I will do my best for Lillestrom,” Obasi is quoted to have told rb.no football portal.