Osimhen gets UEFA recognition for mid-week achievement
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen earned UEFA recognition as his goal against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 has been nominated for the Goal of the Week award.
Osimhen, who started in the UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night, made a significant impact in the 75th minute of the match.
Just 15 minutes after Robert Lewandowski gave FC Barcelona the lead, Osimhen equalized for Napoli in impressive fashion.
Receiving the ball in the penalty box while closely marked by Inigo Martinez, the 25-year-old Nigerian striker executed a brilliant turn that left Martinez struggling to keep up before confidently slotting the ball into the net.
Osimhen’s goal ensured the game ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for an intriguing return leg on March 12.
Ahead of the game, Osimhen’s goal will compete with strikes from Robert Lewandowski, PSV Eindhoven’s Donyell Malen, and Porto’s Galeno for the Champions League Goal of the Week award..
The winner will be decided by votes from fans on UEFA’s site.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s new coach, Francesco Calzona, has issued a warning that player selection will be based on form rather than reputation. This statement is perceived as a message to players like Osimhen, who played 75 minutes against Barcelona.
“I keep the players on the field who are doing well, I don’t look at their names,” Calzona stated in an interview with Sky Sports Italia following the Champions League clash with Barca.
