Francesco Calzona, the coach of Napoli, has revealed that Victor Osimhen was deeply affected upon his return to the club from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Osimhen, the Nigerian international, has demonstrated his prowess by scoring two goals in as many matches under Calzona’s management. His first appearance for Napoli in 2024 occurred during Wednesday’s encounter against Barcelona in the Champions League, where he found the back of the net against the Spanish giants. He continued his scoring form by registering a goal in Napoli’s 1-1 Serie A draw against Cagliari today, albeit being substituted off in the second half of the match held in Sardinia.
Addressing Osimhen’s performance, Calzona affirmed that the player’s substitution was primarily due to fatigue. Despite being substituted, Calzona expressed admiration for Osimhen’s character, describing him as a “fantastic guy.” Additionally, Calzona emphasized the toll of participating in AFCON, noting that players often experience fatigue upon their return. Nonetheless, he commended Osimhen’s determination to contribute on the field, highlighting his willingness to remain on the pitch despite exhaustion.