18-year-old Nigerian talent dubbed ‘next Osimhen’ leaves Lillestrom

Kparobo Arierhi tipped to reach Victor Osimhen (Photo by Imago)

The youngster has been tipped to reach Victor Osimhen’s heights, but he has a lot of work to do

Nigeria under-20 striker Kparobo Arierhi has completed a transfer from Lillestrom to another Norwegian club Mjondalen, Soccernet.ng reports.

Arierhi was one of the youngsters in coach Aliyu Zubairu’s Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations squad who was expected to shine. The youngster is quick, always shows desire on the pitch, and can be a deadly finisher on his own day.

Although Kparobo did not glisten at the U20 AFCON, he had a decent showing, with one goal to his name as Nigeria finished the tournament in third place.

The 18-year-old striker has since returned to his Norwegian second-tier club Lillestrom. Unlike most parts of Europe, most Nordic run their leagues by the calendar year, but Arierhi has not been getting a lot of minutes at Lillestrom.

The Beyond Limits Academy product has been limited to just 34 minutes of action since returning from the Under-20 AFCON in May.

Due to his lack of game time, the youngster has now decided to switch clubs. Per Andrew Randa, Arierhi has joined Mjondalen until the end of the season. This is so he can get enough playing time and develop his game.

Official: Lillestrom have sent U20 International Kparobo Arierhi to second division side Mjondalen on loan to gain first team experience. #disfootballsef pic.twitter.com/xPzEbCWNiD

— Andrew Randa (@RandaAndrew) July 17, 2025

Arierhi won’t be under a lot of pressure at the club, as they are bottom of the Norwegian OBOS-ligaen.

Soccer Kparobo Arierhi has to start living up to the hype

When Kparobo Arierhi was at Beyond Limits, he was one of the top youngster expected to become world beaters eventually.

Recently, Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi even tipped the 18-year-old to become Victor Osimhen’s replacement in the senior national team.

“I mean, it’s going to be competition for Victor Osimhen at this rate, but yes, he’s good,” Iwobi said.

“Yo, Kparobo, I’ve just seen some of your clips, and your finishes. Keep going man you’ve got great technique, and great composure as a number nine, so, maybe you could be the next Osimhen, or even better.”

However, since joining Lillestrom earlier this year, he has struggled. But now that he is at a place where the ovation is loudest, he has to rise and shine.

Norway has housed many top Nigerian players in the past, and he has to look at adding his name to that list.

The youngster will start playing for the club immediately, as they still have 17 games left this season.