Freshly crowned African player of the year, Victor Osimhen on Saturday showed why he is considered one of the world’s top strikers.
Having already scored one goal with a towering header between two defenders, Osimhen was even more impressive when he provided the assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s winner in defending champions SSC Napoli’s 2-1 win over manager Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari Calcio in Serie A.
First, Osimhen controlled a pass with his right foot. He used his chest before bouncing the ball three times off his right thigh and onto his head. Appearing to lose control at that point, Osimhen instead muscled his way past three defenders to cross to the unmarked Kvaratskhelia, who pounded the ball in off the near post. Kvaratskhelia pointed at Osimhen immediately after the ball went in.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“We did everything we could, but when you go up against champions like Osimhen and Kvara they can decide the match in an instant,” Ranieri said.
Ending a four-match winless streak in the league at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli moved up to fourth place, 11 points behind leaders Inter, who visited SS Lazio yesterday.
Osimhen was instrumental during Napoli’s title run last season with 26 goals to lead the league. Slowed by injury this season, he has only six.
However, he is due to miss a big chunk of the season when he joins Nigeria’s squad for the African Cup of Nations next month.
Napoli are still adapting to a mid-season coaching change where Walter Mazzarri replaced the fired Rudi Garcia. There were boos when the first half ended 0-0 despite numerous chances for the Partenopei.
Osimhen took over when he rose to meet a cross from Mario Rui with a powerful header. The ball went directly at Cagliari goalkeeper Simone Scuffet, but he could not stop it.
Leonardo Pavoletti equalized three minutes later when he got past Napoli defender Juan Jesus to redirect in a cross.
Osimhen then drew the entire defense toward him and set up the winner with his dribbling show.
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