Rohr: Osimhen Can Be A Napoli Great Despite Racism Concerns

The Nigeria international is in the Campania capital to finalise a deal, and the veteran coach is backing him to have a successful career in Italy

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr acknowledges that racism is rampant in the Serie A, but he is convinced that Victor Osimhen will win over the hearts of the fans with his displays if he moves to Napoli.

Osimhen is one of Nigeria’s most in-demand stars in Europe with clubs in Spain, England, and Italy reportedly monitoring his progress in France.

Interest in the Nigerian comes on the back of an excellent season with Lille where Osimhen scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 competitive games which earned him the prize of the club’s player of the season, and most recently, the Marc-Vivien Foe award as the best African in Ligue 1.

Napoli, according to reports, are leading the race to sign the 21-year-old, but severe racism concerns continue to be raised.

Racism is very rife in Italy, with players of colours frequently subjected to fans’ abuse.

Rohr admits the problem but believes Osimhen can cope well just like other Nigerians in the country.

“Racism issues? I know there are in Italy, but there are also in other countries, “Rohr told Napoli Magazine.

“When he hits there too, all the fans will cheer him up and be happy with Victor.

“The Italian championship is a championship that I follow, there are some of our players at Udinese, there is Ola Aina at Turin, and there are also other players in Serie B.

“Serie A is a prestigious championship: I think Napoli will reveal itself a great chance for Victor, and Victor will prove to be a great player for Napoli if the deal obviously goes through.”

Osimhen previously featured for Wolfsburg and Charleroi, but he had a greater impact with the latter, having a hand in 24 goals (20 goals, four assists) in 36 appearances.