Osimhen’s heroic goal salvages a draw for Napoli

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Victor Osimhen scores for Napoli on his first game back from AFCON

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli to help them claim a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

The Super Eagles striker who was not in action for Napoli over the weekend was selected by the new coach to start against Barcelona last night. Playing his first game since his AFCON return, the CAF best player continued his goal-scoring form for Napoli by scoring an equalizer to salvage a point for Napoli in the game.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in the second half but Osimhen forced himself into the box to finish past Marc-Andre Stegen.

It was Napoli’s first game since they sacked head coach Walter Mazzarri after three months in charge and replaced him with Francesco Calzona, while Barca were playing their first Champions League knockout match for three years.

Barcelona was dominant against a Napoli side whose final-third efforts were often lacking in Francesco Calzona’s first game in charge.

The visitors had the brighter start with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal – who became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League knockout stage – making inroads on the right-hand side.

Xavi’s side pressed relentlessly in the final third, charging down Napoli’s attempts to build from the back and nullifying the hosts’ ability to threaten.

The Italian side has severely struggled in their Serie A title defense, languishing in ninth place and trailing leaders Juventus by 27 points, and replaced Walter Mazzarri with Calzona – who is also Slovakia manager – on Tuesday.

Osimhen tried to make runs behind the defense but was often left isolated as the hosts failed to muster moves in Barcelona’s half.