Serie A

Victor Osimhen absent in Napoli’s draw with Genoa

By Rhoda Etuk

Posted on February 18, 2024

Victor Osimhen watched from the stands yesterday as Napoli settled for a Draw against Genoa in the Serie A.

Cyril Ngonge scored a last-gasp equalizer for Napoli after Morten Frendrup had put the visitors ahead.

The result means Napoli sit ninth in Serie A – six points off the top four – as, for the second time this season, they came from behind to draw with Genoa.

Napoli head coach Walter Mazzarri will take some solace in seeing his side rescue a 1-1 draw late on in the game as Napoli’s meek defense of their Serie A title continued.

With Osimhen in the stands, Napoli struggled at home against Genoa and were unable to create clear goalscoring chances during the first half.

The Nigerian forward returned from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was pictured training alone, but was not deemed fit enough for Napoli’s tie against Genoa after the exertions of the tournament.

The draw leaves Napoli 9th in Serie A, 16 points behind Atalanta in fourth, leaving their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season hanging by a thread.

Napoli could also be without Victor Osimhen when they host Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 due to fatigue according to Walter Mazzarri.

According to him and the doctors, the boy is at his lowest,” coach Walter Mazzarri told DAZN.

“Coming back from the African Cup of Nations it wouldn’t have been the best choice to risk it and let him play for a quarter of an hour to 20 minutes, so the doctor told me.

The tournament took its toll on Osimhen, who suffered stomach pains ahead of the semi-final against South Africa and was only cleared to play the day before the match.

The 25-year-old scored only one goal in the tournament but his performance helped Nigeria.