Victor Osimhen leads Napoli back to winning ways with a goal, top class assist

By Wale Mustapha

Fresh from being crowned the best player in Africa in the year 2023, Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen justified the award with a masterclass performance as he led Napoli to 2-1 Serie A win over Cagliari on Saturday.

The Super Eagles’ forward who presented the CAF award to the fans of Napoli before the match was allowed to lead the line alongside Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Cagliari proved hard nut to crack in the first half as they forced the champions to a goaless draw before heading to the dugout.

However, Coach Walter Mazzarri tweaked his formation on resumption that allowed his attackers space to run through.

That later paid off as Osimhen ran towards Mario Rui’s cross to head Napoli in front in the 69th minute registering his second goal since winning the CAF award.

Cagliari equalized two minutes later as former Napoli forward Leonardo Pavoletti was allowed space in the box to tap home from close range.

The Nigerian striker was decisive once more in the 75th minute when he showed great skill to create space for himself in the box before squaring the ball to Kvaratskhelia to put Napoli ahead once more.

Mazzarri opted to take Osimhen off in the 82nd minute after his brilliant performance minute taking his goal involvement to nine (seven goals, two assists) with Gianluca Gaetano taking his place.

The champions held on for the win, which lifts them to fourth place in Serie A.