Nigeria Players Abroad
‘He’s only tired’ – Napoli manager Calzona defends devastated Osimhen
By Monsurah Olatunji
Napoli head coach, Francesco Calzona has confessed that Victor Osimhen was devastated by his AFCON 2023 participation.
The African Player of the Year scored just one goal at the concluded tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
However, despite the emotional and physical fatigue, the Super Eagles star has shown signs of his inherent quality and resilience on return with Napoli.
With back-to-back goals in his first two matches with the club which crucial game against Barcelona in the Champions League, he kept demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to impact games at the highest level.
Calzona however recognized his determination and work ethic, noting that the striker was merely tired causing him to substitute him in recent matches.
“He was only tired. Don’t forget he played at AFCON,” he told DAZN.
“Players are devastated when they return. He was tired also against Barcelona, but players always want to stay on the pitch. He scored two goals in two matches and will slowly get back in shape.”
As Osimhen continues to integrate back into the squad to overcome his post-tournament heartbreak and regain his physical and mental sharpness, both the player and the team look forward to what promises to be a pivotal phase of the season.
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