UCL: Mazarri explains Osimhen’s fringe role in Napoli loss to Real Madrid

By Wale Mustapha

Napoli manager, Walter Mazarri has give reasons for not handed Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen a starting place in the Italian’s UEFA Champions League 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Super Eagles’ forward who made a return to action at weekend since October was instrumental to Napoli’s win over Atalanta in Serie A.

The Nigeria international was expected to lead the line for the Partenopei against the defending champions in Spain but Mazarri opted to introduced him in second half.

Asked what informed his decision, the new manager of Napoli disclosed that Osimhen is yet to be back to full fitness and will not want a relapse of his injury.

“He had 20-25 minutes in his legs with Atalanta at the weekend, we could not risk a relapse and so he is being reintroduced gradually”, he said.

The future of the Nigerian international with Napoli is still hanging in the balance as he’s yet to agree to the new deal fueling his chances of leaving for a bigger deal in the summer.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United are major suitors of Osimhen’s signature.