“It’s extraordinary” – Victor Osimhen’s historic Ballon d’Or showing and CAF POTY nomination thrill Peseiro

The former Sporting Lisbon manager is impressed by the exploits of the Nigeria international

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has revealed his admiration for Victor Osimhen following the Napoli striker’s recognition among the best players in the world, Soccernet.ng reports.

Last week, Osimhen became the first Nigerian to make the top ten rating on the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, which was won by Lionel Messi.

Shortly after, the 24-year-old was included in the final nominations for the CAF Player of the Year award.

Osimhen is the fsvourote to bag the POTY award, which could see him become the first Nigerian to clinch the honour since Nwankwo Kanu did same in 1999.

Following Osimhen’s recognition across the globe, Peseiro has tipped the former Lille lad to even become better.

“Ballon d’Or? To have come eighth in the world and first in Africa in this voting is extraordinary,” Peseiro told Sportitalia, via Il Mattino.

“He is 24 years old, he has a long way to go and on that road he must aim to be the best.”

Osimhen has been out of action for Napoli after picking up an injury while on international duty with Nigeria.

Peseiro has already confirmed that he will not invite Osimhen for Nigeria’s two FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.

However, the Portuguese manager has backed the Napoi forward to return from his setback stronger and remain on the wishlist of some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Peseiro added: “At the moment he is sad because he is injured and therefore cannot do what he loves most, which is to play for his team, Napoli.

“For his abilities, for what he has demonstrated, he has and will always have the best clubs in the world who will want him.”

Osimhen is expected to miss Napoli’s crucial Champions League tie with Union Berlin on Wednesday.