Former Napoli defender Mario Rui has praised Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, describing him as a striker capable of excelling at any top club in the world.

Reflecting on Napoli’s Scudetto-winning campaign under coach Luciano Spalletti, Rui highlighted the impact of their on-field partnership. 

“It was decisive. Look, Victor is someone who can play for any top club in the world. It would be a problem for Serie A if he returned,” Rui said, as quoted by Tutto Sport.

The Portuguese left-back also spoke about the potential influence Osimhen could have at other Serie A clubs. 

“I’m thinking of Juve: with someone like that up front, the value of the squad would change drastically,” he added.

Osimhen’s 2022–23 Serie A season was historic. He scored 26 league goals, earning the Capocannoniere as the league’s top scorer. 

This achievement marked him as the first African player in the Italian top flight’s 125-year history to claim the honor.

By reaching 26 goals, Osimhen also became the highest-scoring African in Serie A history, surpassing the previous record held by former AC Milan striker George Weah. 

His scoring exploits contributed directly to Napoli’s strong attacking record throughout the season.

The 2022–23 season was also a landmark campaign for Napoli, who secured the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. 

Osimhen’s goals and consistent performances were a key part of the club’s success, establishing him as one of the most influential players in the league.

Osimhen had spent five years on Napoli’s books. Over that period, he accumulated 65 Serie A goals from 108 league appearances. 

His final season, spent on loan at Galatasaray, saw him thrive: he scored 37 goals and supplied eight assists across 41 appearances in all competitions, guiding Galatasaray to the Turkish league title.

Wale Adejumo