Ex-Bayern Munich and Juventus ace Luca Toni gives reasons why Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is a ‘true striker’

The Nigerian forward scored a goal of the highest quality against Barcelona in Europe’s premier competition on Wednesday night

Former Bayern Munich star Luca Toni has spoken highly of Victor Osimhen after the Super Eagles forward found the net for Napoli in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

After a rather quiet spell at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen reminded many why he is one of the best strikers in the business with a quality finish against Barcelona.

The Catalans had the advantage courtesy of Robert Lewandowski’s 60th-minute strike heading into the 75th minute of the first-leg encounter when Osimhen equalised.

The Nigeria international was under the watchful attention of Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez when André-Frank Zambo Anguissa sent him a simple pass.

Osimhen held his ground to receive the ball, shielded it from his marker, and turned towards goal, all with one swift movement before knocking the ball into the net. 

It is a goal that made Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo call Osimhen ‘a great champion’.

And it appears to have a similar effect on retired Italian striker Luca Toni.

Toni, who scored more than 300 career goals playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Roma, has applauded Osimhen’s strike.

Highlighting how Osimhen evaded his marker before sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with his finish, Toni remarked the goal showed Osimhen is a ‘true striker’.

While featuring as a commentator for Amazon Prime Video as per Tutto Napoli, Toni said:

“Osimhen withstood the defender’s impact, protected the ball, turned well and then in front of the goal the goalkeeper was wrong-footed.

“A goal from a true striker.

“Napoli played a great match; they had a lot to lose, but instead, they emerged from Barcelona’s dominance and demonstrated that they can scare Barcelona. They must continue on this path; this team was born to play the 4-3-3.”

This season, Osimhen has two goals in the UEFA Champions League and seven in Serie A for Napoli.