In a significant move for both the player and the club, 18-year-old Nigerian striker Victor Orakpo is on the verge of signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with Nice, extending until June 2027.
The promising forward, born in 2006, has attracted attention from European giants like Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur since his breakthrough in an international tournament hosted by Bayern Munich in 2022.
However, reports suggest that the highly sought-after youngster has opted for a move to Nice, having impressed during a trial period with the French side.
Despite interest from several top European clubs, it is Nice that has moved decisively to secure the services of Victor Orakpo.
The young striker was brought in for a trial period, and his performance during training was convincing enough for the club to offer him a long-term contract.
Reports indicate that the two Premier League clubs, among other suitors, have missed out on the signing due to Nice's proactive approach.
Victor Orakpo's journey to Nice is rooted in his remarkable talent and early recognition on the international stage.
The 18-year-old caught the eye of scouts and football enthusiasts alike during an international tournament hosted by Bayern Munich in 2022.
This exposure led to widespread interest from European clubs eager to secure the services of the young Nigerian striker.
As the winter transfer market deadline approaches, Nice has reportedly secured the signing of Victor Orakpo.
The deal is expected to be official pending a successful medical examination, as sources have indicated.
The towering Nigerian striker is anticipated to begin his journey with the OGCN Elite group before making strides towards claiming a spot in Nice's professional team, known as the Aiglons.
Although Victor Orakpo may not have featured in a Bundesliga game for Bayern Munich, his undeniable talent and accolades with the Bavarian club's youth team showcase his potential.
The Nigerian U20 international has also garnered numerous individual awards, further solidifying his status as a highly promising player.
As Victor Orakpo prepares to embark on a new chapter in his footballing career with Nice, all eyes will be on the young striker to see how he adapts to the challenges of professional football.
Nice's strategic move to secure this emerging talent reflects their commitment to nurturing and developing promising players, and Victor Orakpo's journey is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming years.
Victor Orakpo & his Agent, Mr. Allele Celestine arrived in #Nice for his medical test 🛬 https://t.co/iv1JEW7bWb pic.twitter.com/xEEjj0agzN
— Lorenzo Lepore  (@lorenzooleporee) January 30, 2024
Victor Orakpo profileÂ
| Player Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Forward |
| Height | 1.94 m |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Date of Birth | 14/01/2006 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
FC Bayern World Squad 2023: A global platform for young talents
The FC Bayern World Squad initiative for 2023 has surpassed expectations, drawing nearly 6,000 applications – a remarkable increase from the previous year and a staggering tenfold rise from its inception.
This joint effort by the German football giants, FC Bayern Munich, has firmly established itself as a pivotal launching pad for international talents at the U19 level.
Among the standout talents are Victor Orakpo and David Emmanuel, both hailing from Nigeria.
These promising players earned their coveted spots through their outstanding performances in the Youth Cup.
Notably, Orakpo's stellar displays in 2022 earned him the title of the tournament's Most Valuable Player, securing his automatic inclusion in the 2023 FC Bayern World Squad.
The initiative not only provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities but also exposes them to high-quality training, international competition, and the esteemed FC Bayern Munich coaching staff.
As the World Squad continues to evolve and attract burgeoning talents from around the globe, its impact on the development of future football stars is undeniable.
This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago
