Victor Osimhen was described as “a massive player” after returning for Napoli with a goal that earned the struggling Italian champions a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last 16. 1st Leg of the 2023-2024 season and hopefully a terrific season. A turning point has been reached.
Nigeria forward Osimhen rolled home the leveler with 15 minutes left of the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, in his first match since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 25-year-old equalised Robert Lewandowski’s 60th minute opener, which seemed likely to be the decisive goal as Barca were for long periods the better team, with Napoli’s first and only shot on target.
“He’s a huge player for us,” said Napoli skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo to Amazon Prime Video.
“He’s come back with the right attitude. We knew he would though as he’s a great player and professional. He’ll give us a hand in the matches to come.”
Osimhen had last played for Napoli in a 0-2 defeat at Roma just before Christmas, when he was one of two players from his team to be sent off.
His ninth club goal of the season came at a crucial time, not just in the match but in Napoli’s campaign as they play under their third manager of the season in Francesco Calzona, their league title defence up in flames.
Calzona had less than 48 hours to prepare for his first match in charge after replacing Walter Mazzarri on Monday night, and Osimhen gave Napoli a chance of progressing despite a disjointed performance by his team.
UEFA Champions League Results (Last 16. 1st Leg):
In Naples: Napoli-1 (Osimhen 75) vs Barcelona-1 (Lewandowski 60).