AS a teenager, Chinedu Obasi gazed on in wonder from the stands at Nigeria’s darling, Jay Jay Okocha, at the peak of his powers for Wanderers.

Now, Bolton’s new striker signing hopes he can make a lasting impression on the North West.

Obasi’s arrival on a free transfer has by no means been a simple one. A weather-interrupted trial afforded him about half an hour of Under-23s football – in which he scored a winner against Burnley – and by Friday last week, even Phil Parkinson was unsure if he would be keeping the striker on for closer look.

But hurried on by interest from Sweden and the 31-year-old’s insistence he would not accept a wage until he played competitively, the scene is set for a former AIK, Schalke and Hoffenheim front man to make an impact on Wanderers’ relegation fight.

“It’s a great honour to be part of this great club and an honour to be part of the team,” said Obasi, having finally signed for the club. “It is a big relief. I have always wanted to play here. It’s a great platform for me and a great opportunity for me to show myself in the UK and then see what the future holds.

“I definitely hope for great things and to help the team.”

Obasi was at the Macron on Saturday to watch his new side labour against Preston North End.

While the game emphasised what a fight the Whites have on their hands to stay in the division, Obasi says the surroundings are still as luxurious as the first time he watched Jay Jay in action.

“It’s a great stadium,” he said. “I came here when I was about 15 or 16 with the Nigerian national team. We came to see Jay Jay and it was my first game in the UK.

“It is weird being back in the stadium, which was then Reebok and now it’s Macron, but it’s still a great stadium.

“He’s a legend. It’s always an honour to be linked with a club he has played for. It’s a big pleasure for me.”

Obasi has played with Wanderers’ other new arrival, Jan Kirchhoff, in the Bundesliga for Schalke and will be sharpening his skills in the Under-23s until fully fit.

But the Nigerian is excited by the challenge of playing in England, having been linked with a string of clubs down the years.

“I want to help the team in any way I can,” he said. “I love scoring goals and I’ll do whatever I can – supporting the team, helping the team is the most important thing.

“Whatever comes, we just have to stay in the league, that’s the main focus right now.

“I’m really looking forward to playing and I’ll need all the support I can get. Being in this league is new but I’ll do my best and fight for every minute.”