Rudi Garcia defends Super Eagles’ Osimhen despite scuffed chances

Victor Osimhen led the line for Napoli as they left it late in their win against Braga, and has the backing of the coach, Rudi Garcia

Napoli’s luck turned in their favour with a late own goal at the Estádio Municipal de Braga saw them secure a 2-1 win in the UEFA Champions League,Soccernet.ng reports.

Napoli were the only Serie A side to win in the UEFA Champions League this week. In a man-of-the-match performance, Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen got an assist for the first goal, heading the ball back for Captain, Di Lorenzo.

Osimhen had several opportunities to score, but the brilliance of Braga’s goalkeeper, Matheus, left the Nigerian striker’s goal tally blank since the international break.

Following Napoli’s draw at Genoa last weekend, Rudi Garcia mentioned that he wanted more determination from his team, and despite putting up a much better performance against Braga, his side still struggled for goals, as a late own goal came to their rescue.

As per Napoli Magazine, in Garcia’s post-match presser, He said; “We were good in the first half, we had enough opportunities to score before and a bit of bad luck, between the stunning saves of the opponent’s goalkeeper and the crossbar. In the second half, we started well, then we went into trouble.”

A spirited second-half performance from the home side saw Napoli become second-best on the pitch, as Braga equalized with six minutes to go to full-time.

“Today we were not able to double our lead, in a game like this, we should have taken shelter from a possible draw. After the 1-1 we had the good fortune that we had missed it before”, Garcia added.

The French tactician took the positives, as his team did one better than the game during the weekend. He commended their efforts, acknowledging how hard a win away from home can be.

“Tonight we took the goal much more than the last two games. It’s never easy to win a Champions League game away from home, but we won the three points. Osimhen is fine and he has proven it tonight. Kvaratskhelia did good things, but he lacks a bit of race pace.”

Napoli will be on the road yet again this weekend as they face Bologna in the Serie A, meanwhile, their next Champions League game will be at home, as they welcome the record champions, Real Madrid.