Napoli’s Critical Crossroads: Osimhen Emerges as the Champions League Beacon

In the midst of a critical situation with Walter Mazzarri’s future hanging in the balance (he might not even lead the team against Barça on Wednesday if Di Laurentiis makes a swift decision), Napoli clings to its last hope for the Champions League—Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker, absent from Napoli’s lineup since December 23, stands as the beacon of hope. Despite his physical toll from playing in the Africa Cup of Nations final, Napoli pins its hopes on Osimhen in Wednesday’s clash against Xavi’s squad.

Critical Context

Osimhen shines as the standout player in a Napoli team plunged into chaos. Trailing by 27 points in Serie A, embarrassingly ousted from the Coppa Italia with a 0-4 defeat at home against Frosinone, and losing the Supercoppa final to Inter in Saudi Arabia, Napoli’s last thread of hope hangs on the Champions League.

San Paolo, against all odds, aspires to dream, and the key to that dream lies in the hands of the controversial Osimhen. The African striker has navigated tumultuous months, engaging in a summer standoff with Di Laurentiis over contract renewal and facing locker room conflicts, including exchanged insults with Kvaratskhelia’s agent.

With the Team

Mazzarri omitted Victor from the squad in yesterday’s match against Genoa, providing him with a rest with an eye on the Barça clash. On Sunday, Osimhen trained with the team at Castel Volturno, the club’s training facility. However, Napoli sources indicate that he is fit for only “50-60 minutes, no more.” Osimhen’s extensive participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, including extra time, has taken a toll on the striker. The upcoming encounter with San Paolo will unveil which version of Osimhen takes the stage.