Coventry City loanee Justin Obikwu has been in red-hot form for Grimsby Town recently, and Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard will be delighted at his progress. He and all concerned will be hoping his development remains on an upward trajectory, unlike a previous player who made a similar move in 2021.
Obikwu, 21, is in his second spell at Blundell Park, having joined during the January transfer window of 2023/24.
The Mariners were in a more vulnerable position at the time, with Artell’s side locked in a relegation battle that they would eventually win, allowing them to keep their EFL status.
It’s fair to say Grimsby have improved significantly since this time last year, but the Trinidad and Tobago international showed glimpses of his abilities at the end of last season, scoring crucial goals against MK Dons and Sutton United that resulted in four valuable points as Grimsby avoided relegation.
The Mariners manager saw enough potential in the Coventry youngster to sign him on a second loan, this time for a season, last summer, and his development during that time, combined with being surrounded by better quality players and structure following a strong summer of recruitment by the Blundell Park outfit, has allowed him and his teammates to flourish towards the right end of the League Two table so far this season.
The youngster’s all-round game has improved dramatically since his arrival in North East Lincolnshire just over a year ago, with his hold-up play, strength, first touch, and control standing out alongside his goal-scoring abilities.
Obikwu and Rose partnership provides Grimsby with a real attacking edge
Previously, the Mariners relied on a single striker, Obikwu, or skipper Danny Rose. However, they recently shifted to a tandem system, which has shown to be devastating.
While Rose has scored goals, so has his strike partner, who has lately scored in consecutive victories over Bromley, Carlisle United, and Doncaster Rovers, as the forwards’ form mirrored that of the club.
The pair complement each other well, with Rose’s workrate and willingness to drop in and win physical battles, mixed with Obikwu’s quickness and ability to stretch defences, presenting Artell with a greater threat that has played a significant role in his team’s recent success.
| Justin Obikwu’s complete Grimsby Town statistics to date (20/02/25), as per Transfermarkt | |
|---|---|
| Statistic | Total |
| Games Played | 34 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 1 |
| YC’s | 1 |
| RC’s | 0 |
| Total Minutes Played | 1,783′ |
The Coventry player has been slightly limited by injury over recent months, but has looked the real deal when available, scoring seven goals in 15 league appearances up to this point.
Given his and the team’s excellent recent performances, Mariners fans and manager will be hopeful the Coventry man can stay injury-free and in peak form for the rest of the season.
Striker will hope to avoid the fate of fellow Sky Blues loanee at Grimsby
Back in 2021, as he and his team prepared for life in the National League following their relegation earlier that year, Grimsby manager Paul Hurst signed teenage Coventry attacker Will Bapaga on a season-long loan.
The youth, who’d made his professional bow for his parent club at just 16 years-of-age, offered a major impact as the Mariners got off to a flying start in the fifth-tier. He generally operated from wide areas and scored twice in 11 games. He was born in the Midlands.
Despite receiving a red card for two bookable offences in a victory against Altrincham, Bapaga made a strong first impression and appeared to be a bright player with a promising future in the game.
When he was recalled by the Sky Blues in January 2022, many Mariners fans expected him to continue his career, possibly with a loan move to an EFL side to further develop his all-round ability.
That never happened, and the youngster has battled to get started ever since. Bapaga was released by City in 2023 and has since played briefly for National League North side Buxton, as well as seventh-tier clubs Mickleover and Stratford Town, where he currently plays.
Many Grimsby fans who saw Bapaga play for the Mariners have expressed amazement at his present situation and decline since leaving Blundell Park three years ago.
The winger had something special about him as a player, with the potential to really shine after his stint on the East Coast. Why that hasn’t happened is a puzzle.
Frank Lampard and Coventry will be hoping Obikwu’s career continues to rise, and with his consistent growth, enormous potential, and willingness to work hard and learn, there’s a good chance it will.
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