As the UEFA Champions League excitement intensifies ahead of the clash between Barcelona and Napoli, Portuguese defender João Cancelo has set the stage for an electrifying encounter by showering praise on Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. With the tie delicately poised following a captivating 1-1 draw in the first leg, all eyes are on the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Spain for what promises to be a thrilling match on Tuesday night.
Recalling the first leg at the Diego Maradona Stadium, where Robert Lewandowski’s opener for Barcelona was swiftly answered by Osimhen’s clinical finish, Cancelo couldn’t help but recognize the impact of the Nigerian striker on the European stage. In a recent interview with Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport via Il Napolista, Cancelo hailed Osimhen as one of the best strikers in the world, praising his ability to seize opportunities with precision.
Cancelo’s admiration for Osimhen didn’t come in isolation; he also highlighted the talents of Matteo Politano, Piotr Zieliński, and Stanislav Lobotka, underscoring Napoli’s formidable lineup under the guidance of their new coach, Francesco Calzona.
Speaking about Osimhen’s performance, Cancelo said, “Osimhen scored with half the ball in the first leg, he is one of the best strikers in the world.” This acknowledgment from a seasoned defender like Cancelo speaks volumes about the quality and impact Osimhen brings to the pitch. Moreover, Cancelo’s mention of other Napoli players like Politano, Zieliński, and Lobotka emphasizes the depth and strength of Napoli’s squad.
Since his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen has maintained an impressive scoring streak, netting five goals in as many appearances. His consistency and effectiveness under Napoli’s new coach have not gone unnoticed, earning him praise from opponents and fans alike.
As the stage is set for the UEFA Champions League showdown, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Victor Osimhen as he aims to continue his impressive form and lead Napoli to victory against Barcelona. With Cancelo’s endorsement echoing across the footballing world, Osimhen’s stature as one of the world’s best strikers is further solidified, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
