The former Lille ace has been the most outstanding player in Naples, and he is well on his way to being the best in the world
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has boldly proclaimed that Napoli’s talismanic striker, Victor Osimhen, is destined for the coveted Ballon d’Or accolade in the foreseeable future, Soccernet.ng reports
Osimhen, 24, finds himself on a distinguished shortlist of 12 elite players vying for this year’s Ballon d’Or, alongside luminaries such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Declan Rice, and Bernardo Silva.
Last season, Osimhen’s prolific goal-scoring exploits propelled Napoli to clinch the Italian Serie A title for the first time since the iconic Diego Maradona era of 1990.
Displaying remarkable finishing abilities, he notched an impressive tally of 26 goals in 32 matches, etching his name into the annals of Serie A history as the first African recipient of the top scorer title.
Additionally, Osimhen claimed the accolade of the highest goal-scorer in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign, amassing ten goals as Nigeria secured a ticket to the upcoming continental showcase in Cote d’Ivoire, set to take place in January.
Peseiro, in an interview with Il Mattino (as per Il Napoli Online) affirmed his belief in Osimhen’s potential Ballon d’Or glory, stating,
“He (Osimhen) 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.”
The Portuguese tactician was impressed by Osimhen’s commanding performance in the Super Eagles’ recent 2023 AFCON qualifier in Uyo, where the striker was excellent, netting a hat-trick against Sao Tome & Principe.
Peseiro remarked, “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 has kicked off the season in remarkable form, registering three goals in his first four league fixtures.
On Wednesday night, the former Lille sensation played a pivotal role in Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Braga, clinching the man-of-the-match award for his standout performance in the opening group stage match of the 2023/24 campaign.
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