UCL

Back with a bang! Osimhen marks return in style, as Bassey’s Ajax struggle against prolific Napoli

Raspadori and Simeone have been spectacular in recent weeks, but the Sheriff is back to claim his spot

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen came off the bench to score for Napoli upon his return from injury to help the Partenopeans claim a 4-2 win against Bassey’s Ajax.

Osimhen returned to Napoli’s matchday squad after missing his side’s last five games because of a hamstring injury.

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti started Osimhen from the bench, while Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey got the nod to start in defense for Ajax.

The Partenopeans had the upper hand going into the tie, as they beat the Dutch giants 6-1 when both sides met in the first leg last week.

Napoli wasted no time in showing their strength, as Hirving Lozano put the Naples giants in front after just four minutes.

Before Bassey and his teammates could regroup, Napoli hit again through Giacomo Raspadori, who has been in great form in recent weeks.

Napoli kept pushing to add to their tally, but Ajax held on till half time.

The Godenzonen started the second half with a lot of fire and within four minutes into the half, they pulled one back.

Super Eagles star supplied a well-weighted cross to Davy Klaasen, who promptly sent it to the back of the net with a beautiful header.

Osimhen was introduced into the game in the 50th minute in place of Raspadori. And within 12 minutes, the Partenopeans won a penalty. Khvicha Kvaratshkelia made no mistake from the spot, as he fired past Remko Pasveer to make it 3-1.

After conceding a third, Ajax piled pressure upon pressure on the Partenopeans’ defense, and they were rewarded with a penalty which Steven Bergwijn dispatched calmly to make it 3-2 with seven minutes left.

It was a nervy end to the game, but Napoli’s hero without a cape was there to ensure there was no heartbreak.

Osimhen’s hungry and tireless pressing paid off, as he forced a mistake from Daley Blind and fired the ball into an empty net to ensure it ended 4-2 at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

The victory seals Napoli’s spot in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

For Osimhen, his goal was timely as Spalletti would surely have a headache choosing between him and Raspadori.

This post was last modified on October 12, 2022 8:58 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Liverpool join Chelsea and PSG in pursuit of 16-goal Super Eagles striker

Six-time UEFA Champions League winners, Liverpool, have joined Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the race… Read More

2 hours ago

Club Brugge’s UECL hopes dashed by Onyedika’s red card drama

Raphael Onyedika’s red card stole the spotlight in the Conference League semi-finals clash between Club… Read More

2 hours ago

Nottingham Forest pins Premier League survival hopes on recovering Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains hopeful of Taiwo Awonyi's imminent return to the… Read More

5 hours ago

Watch: Fulham FC duo Iwobi and Bassey go on shopping spree in London

Fulham FC duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey recently stepped out together for a shopping… Read More

16 hours ago

Aston Villa to compete with Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and others for Super Eagles’ signature

Unai Emery-led Aston Villa is poised to compete with English Premier League rivals Crystal Palace… Read More

17 hours ago