)
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen was the hero as Napoli and Barcelona shared the spoils in the UCL.
The highly anticipated return of Victor Osimhen to Napoli's starting lineup after AFCON 2023 brought excitement and hope to fans gathered at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the occasion was for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg clash match against LALIGA champions Barcelona.
)
10:55 - 22.02.2024
Osimhen is a champion — Napoli captain Di Lorenzo praises striker after performance against Barca
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo praised Victor Osimhen as "a champion" after the forward secured a draw for the club against Barcelona on Wednesday night.
)
08:16 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona: Xavi warns players about Osimhen threat in UCL clash
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is wary of Napoli threat led by Nigeria's Victor Osimhen ahead of UCL acid test.
Osimhen denied by Lewy
However, despite the Nigerian striker finishing the game as the hero for the home side, Osimhen was denied the Man of the Match award following the 1-1 draw.
The 25-year-old celebrated his return from AFCON 2023 in spectacular fashion, scoring Napoli's crucial equalising goal to earn a share of the spoils against the Spanish giants.
)
Playing his first match for the club since December, 2023, the Nigerian talisman was a constant threat with his pace, power and determination.
Stationed upfront as Napoli's focal point, Osimhen tirelessly led the line. His 77 minutes of non-stop running and harrying of defenders culminated in a well-taken goal, bringing Napoli back on level terms after going behind early.
)
But Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski instead received the official Man of the Match honours in the end after he opened the scoring in the 60th minute and for his all-round display and greater overall influence on the game.
Lewandowski’s award could not overshadow Osimhen's performance, however. Back to his best after AFCON duty, the Nigerian showed the talent and work ethic that has made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
Though deprived of the recognition his performance warranted, Osimhen remains indispensable to Napoli's Champions League ambitions.
With their leading light restored to the lineup, the Italian club will head to the second leg in Spain dreaming of a place in the quarterfinal of the competition.
Related content
)
07:03 - 22.02.2024
UCL: Henry challenges Osimhen after the Napoli striker’s goal against Barcelona
The Arsenal legend wants the Super Eagles centre-forward’s next transfer to take him to a higher level.
)
23:12 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona: Victor Osimhen dagger steals crucial draw for Neapolitans
Victor Osimhen returns with a bang for Napoli, as he scored a crucial equaliser against Barcelona to keep the Partenopeans in the tie.
)
22:12 - 21.02.2024
I don't earn 40m! — Frenkie blasts Spanish press
De Jong warns the press against rumours about his contract and reaffirms his desire to remain at Barcelona.
)
16:35 - 21.02.2024
Xavi fears Osimhen threat ahead of Barcelona vs Napoli
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernadez sweats over the threat of Osimhen and the unpredictability of Napoli having a new manager.
)
16:27 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction
A concise pre-match guide for the upcoming Champions League fixture between Napoli and Barcelona.
10:55 - 22.02.2024
Osimhen is a champion — Napoli captain Di Lorenzo praises striker after performance against Barca
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo praised Victor Osimhen as "a champion" after the forward secured a draw for the club against Barcelona on Wednesday night.
08:16 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona: Xavi warns players about Osimhen threat in UCL clash
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is wary of Napoli threat led by Nigeria's Victor Osimhen ahead of UCL acid test.
)
03:00 - 21.02.2024
How Napoli have fared with and without Osimhen: Stats show what Partenopei will miss in Nigerian striker’s absence
With Osimhen still a fitness doubt for the crunch tie against Barcelona and also likely to depart Napoli at the end of the current campaign, we ask the question: how do Napoli perform when the Nigerian star is not available for selection?
)
00:22 - 21.02.2024
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong unhappy to be linked to Manchester United and Chelsea
The Blaugrana midfielder has said he is angry with rumours linking him away from Barcelona in the summer
)
21:14 - 20.02.2024
Two Nigerians who could replace Osimhen at Napoli
Napoli look to keep up their love affair with Nigerians as they eye two of Osimhen's compatriots to replace the Super Eagles star striker
)
20:10 - 20.02.2024
PSG Set to Make First Approach for Chelsea Target Victor Osimhen
Osimhen is touted as PSG's favourite to replace the outgoing Kylian Mbappe but the lifelong Chelsea fan has his sights set on a move to join the Blues
)
18:56 - 20.02.2024
Mbappé's PSG exit puts Chelsea's Osimhen deal in jeopardy
Kylian Mbappe's impending exit from Paris Saint-Germain puts Chelsea's desire for Victor Osimhen in danger.
)
17:51 - 20.02.2024
Napoli: The coaching crew Osimhen will work with until the summer
Having already decided on Napoli’s new short-term coach, the crew to assist Francesco Calzona and centre-forward Victor Osimhen until June is set to be announced.
)
16:59 - 20.02.2024
Xavi and the failed Barcelona Reunion: What went wrong?
Xavi has announced that he would resign as Barcelona's manager at the end of the season
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)