Napoli coach allays Osimhen injury fears, reveals the problems Super Eagles striker faced at 2023 AFCON
Published: February 26, 2024
Napoli interim manager Francesco Calzona has revealed that Victor Osimhen didn't sustain an injury before he came off in his side's 1-1 draw with Cagliari on matchday 26 of the Serie A yesterday.
The Super Eagles forward had to be forced off in the 85th minute of the encounter and was replaced by Giovanni Simeone, thereby prompting concern that he had sustained an injury.
He was responsible for scoring Napoli's only goal of the game, heading the ball home from Giacomo Raspadori's pass in the 65th minute and another injury to the star striker would have been a deadly blow for the reigning Italian champions.
Calzona while speaking in his post-match conference also revealed the problems Osimhen faced at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In quotes relayed by Sportmediaset, the Italian tactician said: "I don't think it's anything special, he was just tired. "Victor is a fantastic boy. I haven't spoken much to him because there's no need.
"Little by little he recovered his best condition , he was in the Africa Cup of Nations: there were climate problems, food problems.
"The players come back devastated since the African Cup of Nations, he needs time. Today we replaced him because he couldn't do it ; the other evening against Barcelona, he was in the same condition as today, we noticed it but he wanted to stay longer in the field".
Osimhen had missed Napoli's clash against Genoa upon his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but returned in time to feature in their UEFA Champions League round 16 clash with Barcelona and scored a goal in that encounter.
He has now scored in back-to-back games for Napoli and has taken his goal tally to 10 for the season across all competitions.
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Osayi-Samuel fuels transfer talk as Fenerbahce RB watches Crystal Palace v Arsenal from the stands
- Osimhen's message to Galatasaray coach on permanent move: Turkish journalist shares details
- Nigerian exports: Three CBs willing to play for Super Eagles score in EFL; Itodo, Samu, Omochere strike
- A foot in both camps: 2021 Super Eagles invitee Olise watches Palace lose to Arsenal; Nwaneri subbed in
- 'The trophy went to Lookman' - Hakimi's mother spills the beans on what PSG star told her before CAF Awards
- New era at Southampton: Croatian tactician Ivan Juric to coach Onuachu, Aribo and Ugochukwu
- 'That is a great finish' - Former Liverpool goalkeeper lauds Ola Aina for fantastic goal v Brentford
- 'Do I like Osimhen?' - Luis Enrique reacts to reports linking Napoli-owned striker to Paris Saint-Germain
- Confirmed: Promising GK Otega Ekperuoh departs Europe's largest football club for pastures new
- 'Missed a penalty attempting a Panenka' - Lookman's agent Hakimi shares incredible story of African POTY
Football News 24/7
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football