Champions League: Unlucky at AFCON, Osimhen scores on Napoli return to earn draw against Barcelona

It looked like Napoli were going to suffer another loss, but Osimhen turned up for his team

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli to help them claim a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen could not return to action for Napoli over the weekend before he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The Nigerian attacker had to sit out the Serie A fixture against Genoa.

However, the former Lille man made the squad for Napoli’s game against Barcelona at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Napoli had a very poor first half, and Osimhen cut a frustrated look upfront, and it appeared that the team was struggling to implement coach Francesco Calzona’s tactics.

At halftime, the Partenopeans had no attempt at goal, as against Barcelona’s seven. However, Napoli got better after the break. Unfortunately, they were pegged back on the hour mark courtesy of a goal from Robert Lewandowski.

After conceding, Napoli woke up from their slumber and started playing well in the final third. Eventually, they got their breakthrough, and it was through Osimhen.

The Super Eagles star received a pass from Frank Anguissa, turned Inigo Martinez, who was on him and sent a low shot into the left corner of the net to make it 1-1 after 75 minutes.

Immediately after he scored, Osimhen was taken off. The game eventually ended 1-1, meaning there is much to play for in the second leg.