Victor Obinna Nsofor, the former Nigeria striker, fondly remembers his time at West Ham United, reflecting on his connection with the club’s supporters, his memorable performances, and his admiration for iconic manager Jose Mourinho.
Despite spending only one year with the Hammers, Nsofor remains a beloved figure among fans. Recalling a moment in Miami when a West Ham fan recognized him, Nsofor expressed his gratitude: “I’m so grateful that the fans still remember me. I was only there for a year, but it feels like I played for the club my whole career.”
Having watched the Premier League as a child in Nigeria, Nsofor’s move to England felt like a dream come true. After his time at Inter Milan, West Ham approached him following the 2010 World Cup, and Nsofor didn’t hesitate to say yes. His family’s excitement was evident when they eagerly anticipated watching him play on TV.
When asked about his time at West Ham, Nsofor shared how he felt no pressure upon arriving, despite being an unknown to many fans. “I saw it as an opportunity to prove myself in England,” he said, recalling his past experiences with Inter Milan, Nigeria, and the World Cup.
One of Nsofor’s most memorable matches came when he assisted four goals in a match against Manchester United, a moment he called his “I have arrived” moment. His mother and sister were in the stands, and Nsofor’s teammates gave him a standing ovation in the dressing room after the match. His hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, followed by teammates signing the match ball, remains another highlight of his West Ham career.
“I felt at home at West Ham, almost as if I was still in Nigeria,” Nsofor reflected. “The fans really supported me, and no matter what happens in my life, I will never forget them.”
During his time at West Ham, Nsofor formed a special bond with striker Carlton Cole. “Carlton was like a big brother to me,” he said. “He went out of his way to make me feel settled. I enjoyed playing with him, and we formed a good understanding on the pitch.”
Though he moved on to play for Lokomotiv Moscow after West Ham’s relegation, Nsofor remains a loyal follower of the club. He still watches their matches, further solidifying his strong connection with West Ham.
Reflecting on his time at Inter Milan under Jose Mourinho, Nsofor described the experience as a privilege. He admired Mourinho’s ability to motivate players and get the best out of them. “He was ahead of his time with how he got the best out of players,” Nsofor said. “He’s the best manager I’ve played under.”
Nsofor also recalled a life-changing event—surviving a car accident in 2007 while playing for Chievo. “I’ve always been religious, but that moment strengthened my relationship with God,” he said, expressing gratitude for his miraculous survival.
As he transitions into coaching, Nsofor aspires to emulate the best managerial qualities he learned under Mourinho, especially in motivating players to go the extra mile.
Leave a Reply