Osimhen is a champion- Walter Mazzarri hails Super Eagles star after brilliant comeback

Osimhen was out of action since October, but he made a big impact for Napoli on his return

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following his performance in their hard-fought 2-1 win over Atalanta on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen returned to action for Napoli after missing the last six weeks because of a muscle injury. This ruled him out of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe last week.

However, Osimhen returned to action for Napoli on Saturday when the Partenopeans visited Bergamo for the game against Atalanta in Walter Mazzarri’s first game in charge.

Osimhen started from the bench and entered the game when it was 1-1. But he did not need much time to prove his brilliance. 15 minutes after his introduction, Osimhen played a great pass to Eljif Elmas, who sent a low drive into the net.

Eventually, that strike sealed the win for the Serie A champions. After the game, Napoli boss Mazzarri was quite pleased with Osimhen, and he showered encomiums on the 24-year-old hitman.

“Osimhen? We’re talking about a champion. He told me he could do 20-25 minutes [against Atalanta]. A player like that can make the difference; he makes the opposing defenses worried,” Mazzarri said per Napoli Magazine.

Next up for Napoli is a UEFA Champions League game against Real Madrid in midweek. Osimhen could make his full return against the Spanish giants.

This post was last modified on November 27, 2023 9:04 am

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Ajax vs Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen scores again, but toothless Lions lose record in Amsterdam

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was on target for Galatasaray, but his goal was not… Read More

5 hours ago

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

11 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

13 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

15 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

16 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

21 hours ago