Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has assessed the performance of Victor Osimhen during Napoli’s 2-0 win over Atalanta in a Serie A match last Saturday, as Nigeria prepare for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau later this month.
The Portuguese football tactician was present at the Diego Maradona Stadium to run the rule over Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who entered the game as a substitute in the 89th minute.
Osimhen who has 19 goals in 22 Serie A games under his belt made way for Giovanni Simeone in the closing minutes of the game.
The former Lille striker was visibly disappointed at himself for failing to get on the scoresheet in back-to-back matches in the Serie A for only the second time this season.
Though Osimhen fired blanks, he provided the assist for Napoli’s first goal scored by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia..
“Osimhen seems to me to have played an excellent game.
“He didn’t score, but he came close. And he made an assist. He fought, he was important for the team as always.
“His teammates had a great need for him, in fact, when there were difficulties they often looked for him.
This time too he was decisive,” Peseiro told Sportitalia.
Barring an injury, Osimhen would lead the Super Eagles’ attack in their AFCON qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau.
Meanwhile, ex-Italy international, Mauro Milanese, has lauded Osimhen over his exploits so far.
Osimhen has grown to be one of the best strikers in the world. After struggling to hit the ground running in his first season at Napoli due to injuries, he picked up the pace last season, scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.
This season, Osimhen has surpassed his personal best with 21 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions for the Partenopeans.
His displays have caught the eye of many top clubs in Europe like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. However, it may be difficult to price him away.
“Osimhen, may not have great technique, but he has incredible speed, physicality, and ability to break the matches,” Milanese said per Napoli Magazine.
“He is truly incredible. The Nigerian manages to take on all the opposing defense while guaranteeing a continuous propensity for depth.”