Victor Osimhen: Will Super Eagles striker play for Napoli vs Barcelona in crucial UEFA Champions League tie?

The Nigerian forward, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, helped his nation win the silver medal at the 2023 AFCON last week

Victor Osimhen’s fitness remains in doubt as Napoli prepare to face Spanish giants Barcelona in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen was not named in the Napoli squad at the weekend for an undisclosed reason, as the Serie A champions were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at the Diego Maradona Stadium by Genoa.

The absence of the Nigerian forward could, however, be linked to his late arrival from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Osimhen was away with Nigeria at the AFCON for over a month, helping the West African powerhouse reach the final, where they lost to the host nation.

The 25-year-old was one of the Super Eagles’ most outstanding players at the continental championships, starting every one of the team’s seven games.

However, the adventure in the Cote d’Ivoire is expected to have physically drained Osimhen, with the striker needing enough rest to regain his optimum levels.

Napoli are enduring troubled times at the moment, though, and need Osimhen back in the starting eleven as soon as possible.

Last year’s Scudetto winners are 27 points from the leaders in Serie A. Napoli were humiliatingly eliminated from the Coppa Italia with a 0-4 at home against Frosinone. The Neapolitans also lost the Super Cup final against Inter in Saudi Arabia.

As a result, the Champions League remains Napoli’s only hope for a trophy this season.

Still, with Osimhen in their fold, the Napoli fans can dream of a possible triumph over Barcelona. 

And according to Spanish Publication, Sport, Osimhen will be in the Napoli squad to trade tackles with Barcelona in Naples on Wednesday.

As per the reports, the Super Eagles striker can only feature for “50-60 minutes” against the Catalan club.

Despite being away for several weeks, Osimhen remains Napoli’s highest-scoring player in Serie A this season, with seven goals in 13 games.