“We don’t pay him enough compliments” – Spalletti praises match-winner Osimhen

The Italian manager believes the Super Eagles forward deserves more recognition in the game for his brilliance

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has left Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti singing his praises following the forward’s man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 win over Udinese at the Diego Maradona Stadium on Saturday.

Napoli fell behind to a fine Gerard Deulofeu strike midway into the opening period, but Osimhen turned the tie around for the hosts within eleven second-half minutes.

The former Lille forward met an excellent Mario Rui free-kick perfectly to nod in the equaliser seven minutes into the second 45.

The 23-year-old then showed brilliant awareness to meet Di Lorenzo’s low cross with a first-time finish to secure all three points for Il Partenopei.

Only last week, Osimhen netted both goals as Napoli claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win at Verona.

His latest brace makes him the first Nigerian to score ten goals or more in different seasons in the Italian Serie A.

Napoli boss Spalletti is aware that the Neapolitans are still in the title race because of Osimhen’s brilliance. And the 63-year-old tactician is convinced that the club’s record signing is even better than what people say.

“He is a footballer who manages to go beyond his limit,” a delighted Spalletti told the press after the encounter.

“When you think he is at his maximum potential, he manages to give an extra boost. He is a strong footballer, but you don’t push him too far. We don’t pay him enough compliments.”

Unfortunately for Napoli, Osimhen picked up a yellow card deep into stoppage time after a handball incident.

The Super Eagles striker has accumulated five yellow cards and will be suspended for his side’s next league clash against Atalanta after the international break.