Champions League: Osimhen, Napoli’s best player against Braga almost joined Saudi League

Napoli got their first European campaign as the Scudetto holders in 33 years off to a flying start, beating Sporting Braga 2-1 in Portugal. However, though Rudi Garcia’s men produced another unconvincing display and were lucky to get away with a precious three points at the start of their Group C adventure, pundits agreed  Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was outstanding.

The Italians dominated the game through and through, creating numerous scoring chances but to no avail.

Osimhen got a massive 7.5 rating only Polish Piotr Zielinski got the same rating as the Eagles striker.

Said one of the pundits, While it’s hard to give a striker a high grade after firing a blank, the Nigerian deserves one for his spirited showing tonight. It’s unfathomable how he failed to get on the scoresheet, considering he had several presentable scoring chances, especially before halftime.”

Speaking on the match, Napoli coach Rudi Garcia reveals that SC Braga's own goal was something Napoli had worked on in training, but once again they made the mistake of ‘not killing off the game.’

The Partenopei had dominated the first half, forcing several big saves and rattling the frame of the goal before Giovanni Di Lorenzo opened the scoring on the volley.

It had seemed a foregone conclusion until Bruma’s glancing header to equalise, but Piotr Zielinski saw his effort accidentally deflected into the net by Braga defender Sikou Niakate.

They rode their luck at the end too, Pizzi hitting the upright with the last kick of the game.

“It is always difficult to win a Champions League fixture away from home. We scored a goal and a half, because the second was their goal into their own net, but we are still working on those taut crosses because anything can happen,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Infinity.

“The mentality and spirit of the team was good, but unfortunately we were not able to kill the game off when we had many chances to score that second goal. It would’ve taken the pressure and tension off, not to mention give us a buffer from the opponents. We are happy with the result, though.”

It was pointed out to him that Garcia let out a big sigh of relief after Di Lorenzo found the back of the net. Does that mean he feels the pressure of being the Napoli coach?

“No, that is totally wrong. When you have so many chances and don’t score, it is natural when you do find the net you breathe a sigh of relief. Do not invent things that are not in my mind.”

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia was substituted after 66 minutes and again seemed far from the emphatic talent seen in his debut season at Napoli.

“He needs to play, to get that tempo back and it was important in a game like this that he participated in the first goal with the cross that sparked the move. Osimhen fought hard and ran, it’s what I expect from all my players, that when it comes time to defend, they all help out.”

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that

Osimhen thought about leaving Napoli to move to Saudi Arabia after drawing a mammoth offer last summer, but he ultimately decided to stay put.

José Pereiro, the coach of the Nigerian national team told Radio Sportiva.

 “He can surely win the Ballon d’Or in the future. He’s not lacking anything to do it. He has different characteristics than other players that are at the top at this moment, but he scores a lot as well.”

“He mulled a departure, but then he elected to keep doing his best to help Napoli. I’m happy to see him compete for major goals in Europe.”

Osimhen scored a hat-trick in the most recent Nigeria game.

“I was afraid he would be down in the dumps, but instead he was devastating. He closed the AFCON qualifiers with ten goals and was the top scorer. He was the same smiley and happy Victor as always. It’s an advantage for everybody.”

 “Osimhen is very happy in Naples. Staying in Europe and showcasing his skills in the Champions League is the best pathway for his growth. He’s young and has time to prove his talent. I understand that some proposals can make you wobble. Two seasons in Saudi Arabia are worth as much as ten in Europe. But money isn’t everything. He improved a lot in Italy.”