Paolo Bargiggia, an Italian journalist from Sportitalia has likened Victor Osimhen to George Opong Weah, saying that the Napoli striker is also a goal-poacher like the Liberian.
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille of France for a huge fee of 70 million pounds during the summer transfer window and so far, so good, the striker has scored three goals and contributed one assist to the Partenopei’s cause during the current campaign.
He has, however, had different issues so far this season ranging from picking up a shoulder injury while on duty for Nigeria in November to testing positive for covid-19 in December/January and then, getting a head trauma last month.
The Super Eagles attacking sensation scored on his return from injury to help Napoli secure a 3-1 win over Bologna in a Serie A tie that took place at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on March 7.
Bargiggia has revealed that Osimhen reminds him of legendary AC Milan striker who is now the president of Liberia, Weah. The pundit believes Osimhen is a top quality player in the mould of Weah.
“Victor Osimhen? We know 30-40% of this boy who stayed away from the pitch due to injuries,” Bargiggia said on Radio Marte’s Voce di popolo – Si gonfia l arete.
“The former Lille striker has a bit of a panther style that can somehow recall those of the great George Weah, the former Milan striker. The real Osimhen, trust us, we have not yet seen”.
Osimhen had been missing since February 21 when he suffered a head trauma versus Atalanta, he landed awkwardly and hit his head on the turf following a collision with Cristian Romero.
He spent the night in the hospital but after undergoing several tests, he was cleared of any serious injury but advised by Napoli’s neurosurgeon to rest before playing again.
Subsequently, Osimhen missed out on seven games in all competitions in which the Parthenopeans were involved but the Nigerian international made his much-awaited return in style.
The 22-year-old came off the bench to make a meaningful impact for Gennaro Gattuso’s men against Bologna after being introduced for Dries Mertens in the 53rd minute.
He wasted no time to announce himself in the encounter, the Super Eagles forward netted after receiving a timely assist from Piotr Zielinski to double Napoli’s lead on 65 minutes.
Osimhen has scored three goals and registered one assist in twelve Serie A appearances since joining Napoli from Lille last summer. He has the same stats in 18 games across board.
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin