MSV Duisburg have announced the signing of Nigerian international Victor Obinna. The forward was previously with Lokomotiv Moscow but did not have his contract renewed during the summer, meaning he joins the 2. Bundesliga side on a free.
The 28-year-old has signed a one-year deal at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena after passing his medical and gaining international clearance, though he does have the option to extend that by a further season. He has been handed the number 15 at his new club.
A topsy-turvy career so far
Obinna began his career in Italy with Chievo Verona and performed very impressively, notching up 22 goals and three assists in his three years at the club. A move to Inter Milan looked to be the base from where he would kick on to show his talents on the San Siro stage, but he made just nine appearances in his first season there.
Successful loan spells with Malaga CF and, particularly, West Ham United. The latter looked to have given new hope to making a return to Inter after eight goals and nine assists in 32 games but he was let go to Lokomotiv Moscow on a free transfer. His time in Russia was broken up with a return on loan to Chievo, but was an otherwise unsuccessful time and has now joined Duisburg in a bid to get back on track.
Lettieri and Obinna give their thoughts on the move
Speaking on the move, head coach Gino Lettieri admitted: "Victor will help us a lot with his class, of that we are sure. The conversations with him over the past few days have convinced myself and Ivo Grlic that he will fit us - and Victor is convinced of MSV." Obinna said he was "looking forward to the new challenge ahead" and also to "playing as soon as possible".