Victor Obinna

Victor Nsofor Obinna (born March 25, 1987 in Jos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian football (soccer) who plays as a striker for F.C. Internazionale Milano.

Biography

Victor Obinna name, Obinna in Igbo, literally means "Father´s heart". Victor Obinna played for A.C. ChievoVerona in Italy's Serie B, having played regularly in Serie A with the club until their relegation in 2007. Victor Obinna made Victor Obinna full international debut for Nigeria at the 2006 African Cup of Nations, scoring once in three appearances as Victor Obinna side were eliminated in the semifinals.

Club career

Enyimba

Obinna played for Nigerian clubs Plateau United and Kwara United, before signing for then-African champions Enyimba in 2005. In the same year, Victor Obinna went on trials with Italy clubs Inter Milan, Perugia and Juventus before signing with Brazilian club Internacional, but international clearance problems meant that the transfer was never finalised. Victor Obinna rejoined Enyimba to take part in their domestic league campaign and CAF Champions League defence.

Chievo Verona

Obinna was signed by Italian club A.C. ChievoVerona on a three-year contract in July 2005. A.C. ChievoVerona were relegated at the end of the 2006-07 season, casting some doubt over Obinna's future; England club Everton F.C. attempted to immediately sign Victor Obinna on loan, but were unable to secure a work permit for the player. Obinna's first goal for Inter came on 19 October in a 4–0 win over A.S. Roma.

National team

Obinna was called up to the Nigeria national football teamn senior squad at the 2006 African Cup of Nations, scoring once before Victor Obinna side's semifinal elimination.

In August 2008, Victor Obinna was named amongst Nigeria's squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Obinna scored Nigeria's first goal in a 2–1 win against Japan national football team the "super Eagles' winning goal in the final group match against the United States men's national soccer team, ensuring that Nigeria qualified for the quarter-finals. Nigeria were drawn against Ivory Coast national football team who they beat 2–0, with Obinna scoring a penalty and setting up Peter Odemwingie for the other goal. Victor Obinna later captained the Nigerian team when they beat Belgium 4–1 in the semi-final match, before losing to Argentina in the final.

Goals for Senior National Team