In a show of unwavering support, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, is throwing his weight behind star striker Victor Osimhen as the Napoli sensation makes a triumphant return from the sidelines after an injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria.
Osimhen’s journey back to the pitch has been marked by determination and anticipation, following a hamstring injury incurred during Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in October. Since his last appearance for Napoli, where he scored against Fiorentina on October 8, the striker has been on the road to recovery. After approximately a week in Nigeria, Osimhen is set to rejoin the Italian champions on Wednesday, although he won’t feature in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Union Berlin.
Last week, Osimhen achieved an impressive eighth place in the prestigious Ballon d’Or rankings, with Lionel Messi claiming the top spot. Additionally, he has been nominated for the 2023 CAF Player of the Year Award, which will be presented on December 11 in Morocco.
Coach Peseiro’s endorsement comes at a pivotal moment, with Osimhen’s incredible form last season with Napoli and his promising start this season. Despite recent challenges faced by the player, Peseiro has full confidence in Osimhen’s ability to maintain his momentum.
Peseiro expressed, “To have come eighth in the world and first in Africa in this voting is extraordinary. He is not happy, because obviously he had an injury, which is not good news for us, for Napoli, and for the Italian championship. They have not been simple weeks, with rumors about the signed contract, transfer market issues, and the TikTok video issue, especially for an important player like him.”
Peseiro continued, “Now, however, I know that he has a great desire to return to the pitch as soon as possible. For his abilities, for what he has demonstrated, he has and will always have the best clubs in the world who will want him.”
As Osimhen looks forward to his recovery, he will undergo further tests upon his return to Naples to gauge the progress of his rehabilitation. Coach Peseiro has opted to exclude him from this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, in what promises to be a pivotal period in Osimhen’s journey back to full fitness.
