Osimhen vs Boniface: Why Chelsea Should Sign Leverkusen Star Instead of Napoli Ace

• Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Nigerian strikers, Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface
• The Super Eagles stars share similar footballing traits with little difference in their style
• Sports Brief has highlighted the reasons the Blues should opt for Boniface over Osimhen

It is no longer news that the Nigerian duo of Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen are targets for English Premier League side, Chelsea.

The Blues are considering bringing in a new striker in the summer after Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja failed to meet expectations.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have struggled in front of the goal for most of the season and missed out on their one real chance at a trophy.

One of the reasons Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final on Sunday (February 25) was said to be the absence of a potent striker who can convert chances.

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With the Blues reportedly interested in the two Super Eagles strikers, Sports Brief looks at reasons the West London club should opt for Boniface ahead of Osimhen.

Why Chelsea should sign Boniface ahead of Osimhen

1. Pressure of being an instant success

Osimhen is presently the reigning CAF African Footballer of the Year and the Serie A Player of the Year due to his achievement with Napoli in the 2022-23 season.

The Napoli star would come with a lot of expectations to be an 'instant success' without having time to acclimatise with the team due to his present star power.

Osimhen, who is rated as one of the top strikers, suffered the same fate when he represented the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria finished second in the continental competition, but their superstar was criticised for scoring just one goal and only providing assists in the other games.

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Signing Boniface will give the Blues time to blend the striker with the team and take many eyes away from him being an instant success, unlike Osimhen.

2. Boniface offers more than goal-scoring

The Napoli ace is arguably better than the Bayer Leverkusen star in terms of goal-scoring, but the Bundesliga star is also not way behind in that aspect.

Osimhen won the Serie A Golden Boot last season with 26 goals, while Boniface won the top scorer award in the UEFA Europa League with six goals.

The difference between the two players is that Boniface is a striker who offers more than a goal and can play alongside forwards, creating chances.

He has scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 23 games this season compared to Osimhen's 10 goals and three assists in 20 appearances.

Offering more than goals and Boniface's style of play could benefit Pochettino's team compared to Osimhen.

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3. Age difference

A popular saying goes, 'Age is just a number', but it matters to some extent when it comes to football.

Osimhen is two years older than Boniface and has been in the limelight more than the former Bodo/Glimt forward.

Singing Boniface means Chelsea will be getting a younger player between the Nigerian duo.

4. Financial aspect

A transfer that will take Osimhen away from Napoli will command a considerable transfer fee, as he recently renewed his contract with the Parthenopeans until 2026, with a new release clause set at €130 million.

Boniface currently has a market value of €40 million, according to TransferMarkt, and the Blues could get him between the region of €60-70 million, meaning his signing would make more financial sense.

Rohr’s advice to Osimhen

Earlier, Sports Brief also reported on the former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, advising Osimhen on the ideal club to join when he does leave Napoli.

The 25-year-old is a subject of interest from many European clubs but the septuagenarian feels staying in Ligue 1 would suit Osimhen more.