West Ham sign Nigeria striker Obinna

Premier League club West Ham signed Nigeria striker Victor Obinna on a season-long loan from Inter Milan on Friday.

Obinna passed a medical earlier this week before sealing his move, which contains the option of a permanent transfer next year if he make a good impression during his spell at Upton Park.

The 23-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Spanish side Malaga, will compete with Frederic Piquionne, Carlton Cole and Benni McCarthy for a place in Hammers boss Avram Grant’s forward line.

“West Ham United are pleased to confirm the capture of Nigeria forward Victor Obinna on a season-long loan from UEFA Champions League holders Internazionale,” a statement on the club’s website confirmed.

Obinna made two appearances for Nigeria in the recent World Cup, where the Super Eagles failed to get out of a group containing Argentina, South Korea and Greece.

He joined Inter in 2008 after scoring 19 goals for Chievo Verona and helping them win promotion to Serie A.

But Obinna failed to impress in his spell at the San Siro, forcing him to go on loan in search of regular first-team action.

Grant admitted he had been forced to sign loan players like Obinna because the club still has financial difficulties.

He said: “He’s a very good player for us and can play in many forward positions.

“He is also part of our plans for the next season to take players who can develop. He has signed on loan with an option to buy.

“We came here and wanted to change things and make things better. We have a problem with the financial situation, as everybody knows, the team is in a lot of debt.

“This is the reason we are taking players on loan with options — first because it is cheaper and second because it will be good for us in the future.”