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February 16, 2024 UCL Concern: Napoli Await Osimhen’s Fitness For Barcelona Showdown

UCL Concern: Napoli Await Osimhen’s Fitness For Barcelona Showdown

Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, are facing a nerve-wracking situation as they await updates on Victor Osimhen's fitness ahead of their pivotal UEFA Champions League encounter against Barcelona.

Sky Sport Italia reports indicate that the striker is still not in his peak physical condition following his recent stint at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

During the tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen reportedly shed between 3 and 4 kilograms, raising concerns about his readiness for the impending clash with Barcelona. Furthermore, the toll of participating in seven matches over a month in challenging weather conditions has left the 25-year-old Nigerian forward with lingering recovery needs.

With doubts surrounding Osimhen's availability, Napoli's manager, Luciano Spalletti, may find himself contemplating alternatives like Giovanni Simeone or Giacomo Raspadori to step up in his absence. The looming uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to Napoli's preparations as they gear up to welcome Barcelona to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Tuesday, February 21st.

October 30, 2023 I Am Happy At Napoli, Osimhen Insists

I Am Happy At Napoli, Osimhen Insists

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian football star, has quashed rumors linking him to a move to English Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea. He's made it clear that he is content playing in Serie A with Napoli.

Throughout the summer transfer window, Napoli had to repel interest in Osimhen, who emerged as their top scorer last season with 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly interested, but Napoli's president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, set a hefty price tag of over £100 million for the Nigerian international.

Consequently, interested clubs turned their attention elsewhere, and Osimhen continued with Napoli, starting the 2023-24 season with a commendable record of six goals and one assist in 10 games.

Despite his success on the field, Osimhen's future remains uncertain, with just two years left on his contract and reported difficulties in contract renewal negotiations. Additionally, there were concerning TikTok videos from Napoli that appeared to mock the player, leading to a brief threat of legal action by his agent, followed by a private apology.

Osimhen's season also included a dispute with manager Rudi Garcia and rumors of a strained relationship between De Laurentiis and the player. De Laurentiis had suggested he might sell Osimhen in 2024 if he doesn't agree to a contract extension, which attracted attention from Liverpool and Chelsea.

In a recent interview with Mario Balotelli and Emiliano Viviano, the 24-year-old affirmed his loyalty to Napoli, stating, "I am happy at Napoli. People don’t know how difficult it is to play in Serie A. From a tactical and physical point of view, it’s one of the most difficult leagues to play in."

October 9, 2023 I Hope Victor Osimhen Joins Chelsea – Mikel Obi

I Hope Victor Osimhen Joins Chelsea – Mikel Obi

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has expressed optimism about the possibility of Victor Osimhen joining the London-based club in the upcoming transfer window.

The ex-Nigeria international believes that the Napoli striker possesses the qualities needed to excel in the Premier League.

Mikel spoke highly of Osimhen's potential fit in the English top flight, stating, "I think he [Victor Osimhen] does slot seamlessly into the Premier League. He's got the tools to be a success in England." In the latest podcast, Mikel shared his insights into Osimhen's abilities and how they align with the demands of Premier League clubs.

Reflecting on Osimhen's progress over the years, Mikel admitted that his perspective had evolved. He continued, "When I look back at him a few years ago, I would say 'no.' But now, watching him last season and watching him this season, I would say definitely." Mikel emphasized Osimhen's attributes, such as his goal-scoring prowess, ability to run behind defenders, and capacity to stretch opposing teams, which are highly sought-after qualities in the Premier League.

Mikel expressed his wish for Osimhen to join Chelsea, but he acknowledged that the striker is reportedly a target for Manchester United. He concluded, "I hope you come to Chelsea. But from the noises that I hear, he is a big United. But I hope he comes to Chelsea, really."

John Mikel Obi's endorsement of Victor Osimhen's Premier League potential and his preference for Chelsea reflect the excitement surrounding the Nigerian striker's future in one of the world's most competitive football leagues.

April 19, 2022 Napoli Suffer Blow In Title Bid After Roma Draw

Napoli Suffer Blow In Title Bid After Roma Draw

Napoli's Serie A title hopes suffered a huge blow as Stephan El Shaarawy's last-gasp equaliser earned AS Roma a 1-1 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Monday.

The hosts held the lead in a tense clash in Naples for the majority of the contest after captain Lorenzo Insigne broke the deadlock with a well-taken penalty after 11 minutes.

Chasing a first Scudetto since 1990, Napoli looked nervy as they went in search of three points that would have closed the gap on leaders AC Milan, with Roma having several chances to level in the second half.

The home side looked like they had done enough to hold on as the clock passed 90 minutes, before substitute El Shaarawy broke Napoli hearts in stoppage time, firing a leveller that in-form Roma deserved.

The draw left Napoli third in the standings on 67 points from 33 matches, four points behind leaders AC Milan. Roma stayed fifth on 58 points having stretched their unbeaten run in Serie A to 12 matches.

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