José Peseiro opens up on Osimhen’s stay at Napoli

BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Super Eagles’ manager, José Peseiro has told Italian news outlet, Gazzetta dello Sport that he was delighted that hit-man, Victor Osimhen opted to remain at Napoli.

For the greater part of the Summer transfer window, there were speculations that Osimhen was either heading to an English Premiership club, or going to feature in the German Bundesliga.

Bank-breaking offers also came from Saudi Arabia. The human goal-scoring machine however chose to remain at Napoli.

“At first he thought about leaving, but then he decided to stay and do his best in Napoli. And I’m happy to see him still competing for big goals in Europe”, remarked José Peseiro.

Dwelling on Osimhen’s performances in the recently  concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, José Peseiro remarked: “I was afraid he could come sad and instead I found him unleashed: he worked and showed beautiful things. He played fantastic games, scoring three goals against Sao Tome & Principe.

“He finished the qualifying series with 10 goals and he is the top scorer. Now we hope it will help us win the Africa Cup of Nations. It was the usual Victor, happy and smiling: it’s a win-win for everyone.”

 According to José Peseiro, it was good for Nigeria that Osimhen remains at Napoli.

“But Victor is very happy in Napoli. For his growth path, staying in Europe and showing off in the Champions League remains the best way. He is young and has time to prove his talent.

“Then I understand that in the face of certain offers one can waver: two seasons in Arabia are worth more than ten in Europe, but money is not everything. Victor has improved a lot in Italy.”