The Super Eagles striker’s Serie A season got off to the worst possible start after he saw red less than 30 minutes into Napoli’s opening match of the campaign, but luckily, it did not cost the Neapolitans the win
Victor Osimhen will want to forget this day as soon as possible after he received a red card in Napoli’s opening Serie A clash against Venezia on Sunday evening.
Expectations were high going into the season for the 22-year-old Nigerian striker following an excellent pre-season campaign which saw him score eight goals in five pre-season.
Osimhen was also hoping to write off the disappointment of last season, which saw him missed three months of action due to a shoulder injury and coronavirus.
However, the new campaign got off on a sad note for him as he received a straight red card in the 23rd minute for shoving Daan Heymans as they challenged as Napoli corner is played into the box.
Although on replay, it’s a harsh red card, the referee considered it to be violent conduct. The dismissal means he will miss the clash against Genoa next week and the big match against Juventus after the international break.
But despite his dismissal, Napoli went ahead to win the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Eljif Elmas.
Insigne first had the opportunity to put Luciano Spalletti’s men ahead in the 57th minute after they were awarded a penalty.
But he fluffed his lines, missing from 18-yards. However, the Neapolitans were awarded another penalty five minutes later, and this time, Insigne redeemed himself by converting the spot-kick.
Meanwhile, Venezia, who handed Tyronne Ebuehi his debut following his loan move from Benfica, almost got an equaliser through Francesco Forte, who fired a shot against the upright.
They would later rue the missed opportunity as Elmas strike in the 72nd minute ensured Spalletti’s reign as Napoli’s coach got off to a winning start.
This post was last modified on August 23, 2021 9:40 am
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Osimhen Victor James what is going on with you over there? please don't do this to your fans again, we stand by you last season to this point help us so we can see you game, please don't fall sick, don't hit anyone , don't fight or angry just play that ball into the net, we love you Osimhen.
why na
This is the reason many never reach their potential, BAD ATTITUDE and a lack of professionalism.
That's your view though
That was a moment of madness. That was not the most of him. So, oga calm down.
I strongly believe Osimhen is under manipulation over there. His family needs to seriously intercede for him. This is not normal! Last season it was injury here and there, now he started with red card even though I saw the replay that red card is undeserved. it should have been a yellow card and not an outright red card. Can the refree be tagged a racist? I don't know. Victor Osimhen I am really concerned and worried be strong, you'll overcome. My prayers are with you. I am your diehard fan.
Stfu. And can we just not bring up the word “racism” in every black encounter. This is football and there are rules. Also a Nigerian
Sir, do you know the meaning of racism?
Unprofessionalism on the field of play is a straight red. People have been sent off for less.
Victor Osimhen, I have prayed that this be wonderful year for you. I have watched you become a dynamic striker since the first time I saw you represent us in the U-17 World Cup. I believe all Nigerian soccer lovers want you to succeed beyond your wildest imaginations. The red card incident yesterday, though underserved was uncalled for. I really don’t know the referee’s reason for showing you the red. Please be aware that because of the diminutive striker that fast becoming, you will be a marked man every time you’re on the pitch. Please do not retaliate when angered, but let the ref know. God is with you! Please stay strong my son.