Victor Osimhen failed to fire Napoli into next season’s UEFA Champions League after the Parnetopei could only draw 1-1 with Hellas Verona at the Armando Maradona stadium in Naples.
Napoli needed a win to seal their place in Europe’s elite cup competition and Osimhen was banked on by the club’s fans to deliver the goals following his return to form at the start of March after returning to action following the head injury he copped towards the end of February in Bergamo where his club were beaten 4-2 by their host, Atalanta in a Serie A game.
Since his return, the Nigerian international striker has scored eight goals in his last 13 matches prior to the game against Hellas Verona.
Although the Super Eagles froward has failed to score in his last two games, his overall performance gave the fans the confidence that the former Lille of France player will lead the club into the Champions League.
Osimhen was in action for the entire duration of the game against Hellas Verona as Napoli gave up a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 and watch both AC Milan and Napoli leaffrog them into second and fourth respectively.
The Nigerian and his colleagues will now play Europa League football next season and it will be the first time Osimhen will be participating in the competition.
FC Nantes and Moses Simon will have to come through a relegation play-off to save their top-flight place after losing their final game of the campaign to Montpellier Hérault SC 2-1.
Nantes came into the final night of the season in 18th position, but with the five clubs above them all within two points. Antoine Kombouaré’s side seemingly had the momentum too, having won their previous four matches on the bounce.
Girondins de Bordeaux ended any doubt about their future by winning 2-1 at fellow strugglers Stade de Reims, with Yacine Adli and Enock Kwateng scoring their goals after El Bilal Touré had put the home side ahead.