Little known David Okereke is enjoying the spotlight at Venezia in Serie A. Venezia manager Paolo Zanetti believes he has all it takes to be a superstar.
Many Nigerian players slip through the country to Europe in search of greener pastures. Some never truly reach their potentials and fade into obscurity, while others take the continent by storm and force the world to recognize.
The road to the top can be daunting, but the Nigerian spirit is hard to intimidate, and that has been the secret behind the successes enjoyed by Nigerian footballers.
With that said, not much is known about many Nigerian players in Europe until they hit the limelight. One of such players is David Chidozie Okereke.
Tipped to become a star
David Okereke is riding the waves in the Italian Serie A. With attention on Victor Osimhen, the youngster has gone about his business, drawing applauds from many. The Nigerian forward, who is yet to appear for the Super Eagles, is getting rave reviews in Italy but is still an unknown entity in Nigeria.
The 24-year-old has churned out performances that have received praise from his manager. Venezia manager Paolo Zanetti admits that the performances of David Okereke have impressed him, and he rates the player highly.
Speaking to Corriere del Veneto, Zanetti said that Okereke does not know how strong he is. He stressed that the forward is not fully aware of his potentials. Zanetti claims that Okereke has all it takes to be a superstar. According to Zanetti, he has strength, speed and technique, and when he attacks space, he is devastating.
Zanetti has led Venezia to two straight victories, and Okereke has been pivotal to their recent success.
a few notes from my match report:
-zanetti’s substitutions again have a massive impact
-the defense is holding steady
-david okereke rules https://t.co/8id19ONOpT— justin block (@JBlock49) November 22, 2021
Okereke is in fantastic form
Perhaps, Gernot Rohr needs to take a look at David Okereke at Venezia. Instead of looking to take Odion Ighalo to the African Cup of Nations following the injury to Victor Osimhen, Okereke might be a viable option.
Venezia are six points above the relegation zone, and David Okereke is one of the main reasons the newly-promoted club is not swimming in relegation waters. The season is just 13 weeks old. For Venezia to survive relegation, Okereke must maintain his current goal-scoring form.
Okereke joined Venezia on loan from Club Brugge, and while at the Italian club, he is enjoying a new lease of life. Following an arduous two years in the Belgian Championship, the young lad has started to find his feet.
Venezia have scored 12 Serie A goals this season, with four coming off the boots of Okereke and an assist. The contributions from the young lad have all come in 12 games, with his latest effort securing three points for the Winged Lions.
When Venezia beat AS Roma 3-2 before the international break, Okereke got the winning goal. Last weekend, he was back on the grind as he bagged the only goal in a 1-0 win over hosts Bologna.
Okereke joined Venezia on loan in August, but the Italian side holds the option of signing him permanently for eight million euros, being the cost Brugge incurred in securing him from Spezia.
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 days ago
