The Nigerian forward was unlucky to leave Portugal without a goal but would be pleased with his side’s three points
Victor Osimhen has been named the man-of-the-match award winner for his excellent display during Napoli’s narrow 1-2 win at Braga on Wednesday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
Napoli opened their 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought victory over Portugal’s Braga.
The Italian Serie A champions bagged all three points through a late Sikou Niakate own goal, as Braga’s Bruma had earlier cancelled out Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s opener for Napoli.
However, much of the game’s best highlights centred around Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen ha sido elegido MVP del Braga 1-2 Napoli. pic.twitter.com/aCtNMwtRqu
— Fútbol Italiano
(@FT_Italiano) September 20, 2023
(@FT_Italiano) The Super Eagles striker came close to breaking the game’s deadlock in the tenth minute with a fantastic header, which goalkeeper Matheus Magalhaes did brilliantly to keep out.
Midway through the first half, Osimhen showed pure class with a smart turn and shot on the edge of the box, but his fierce drive crashed against the crossbar.
The former Lille lad then won a penalty for Napoli shortly after, but the referee later rescinded the decision after consulting the VAR.
Osimhen was involved in Napoli’s first goal as he battled for the header that allowed the ball to fall for captain Di Lorenzo to rifle home a left-footed finish.
And after the encounter, the Nigerian striker was recognised as the best player of the encounter despite not being on the scoresheet.
It would be recalled that Osimhen claimed the top goalscorer in Serie A last time after he netted 26 goals to propel Napoli to a first Scudetto title in 33 years.
