The Nigeria international scored three of the five goals that dumped the reigning Europa League champions out of the continent’s premier club competition
Napoli’s head coach Luciano Spalletti has praised Victor Osimhen for his outstanding contributions in their massive 5-0 aggregate win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Osimhen bagged a brilliant brace, including a stunning looping header, to lift Napoli to a 3-0 win at the Diego Maradona Stadium in the second leg of their round of 16 clash. The Nigerian international had struck one of the goals in Napoli’s 2-0 win in Frankfurt in the first leg.
With the feat, Osimhen becomes the first Napoli player in history to score in both legs of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie.
In a post-match press conference, Spalletti expressed his delight with the Nigerian striker’s recent performances, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for the team and hold the ball up front to take shape as a team structure.
What was said?
“Osimhen is someone who still has untapped potential,” Spalletti said. “We’re pleased that in the last few games, in addition to scoring goals, he cleans up situations and we play directly up front, creating opportunities or holding the ball to take shape as a team structure.”
The Italian manager also praised Osimhen’s explosiveness and flushes, noting that he has the potential to go very high and that the team will continue to use matches like these to help him get even more ready for the future.
Osimhen has been in excellent form for Napoli this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions for the Neapolitans, including 19 in Serie A.
The 24-year-old joined the Italian side from Lille in the summer of 2020 for a reported fee of €70 million and has since established himself as a key player in the squad.
With Napoli now through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Spalletti will be counting on Osimhen to continue his impressive form as they seek to go all the way in the competition.
