“A great champion” – Victor Osimhen earns captain Di Lorenzo praise after helping Napoli to Barcelona draw

The Nigeria international gave the Italian champions hope ahead of the return leg with a fine second-half strike

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has showered praises on Victor Osimhen after the Super Eagles striker helped the club avoid defeat against Barcelona on Wednesday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead around the hour mark as the Spanish champions aimed for the win in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout clash.

However, Osimhen scored a brilliant equaliser with barely 15 minutes left to play to give the Napoli fans inside the Diego Maradona Stadium a lot to cheer.

Osimhen was billed to feature for only 60 minutes in the encounter, having only returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria win the silver medal.

He was, however, replaced moments after dragging Napoli back on levelled terms.

Napoli skipper Di Lorenzo is pleased to have Osimhen back in the squad, insisting that the 25-year-old's mentality of a champion will add value to the club.

“It's an important return for us; Victor is a great champion,” the Italian full-back told Amazon Prime Video, as per Tutto Napoli.

“He came back very well, with his head right as we all knew. He will give us a hand in the games we are missing. With Simeone and Raspadori, the coach has a great choice; he will decide from time to time.”

With an away goal in the kitty, Barcelona have the advantage heading to the second leg next week.

However, Di Lorenzo maintains that Napoli will not lose hope and will play with the desire to make it to the next round of the competition.

“Certainly, having found the equalizer was important. We will go there against a great team and on a difficult pitch, and we will play for the passage to the next round, which is important for everyone: the team, the club, and the fans.

“Even tonight, they were close to the team. So we will give our best to get through.”

Osimhen's goal against Barcelona is his second in the Champions League this season.