Osimhen returns in Napoli defeat at Hellas Verona

Victor Osimhen made his much-awaited return for Napoli in their 3-1 defeat to Hellas Verona in Sunday’s Serie A game. The Super Eagles forward last featured for the Parthenopeans in November against Bologna due to injury and coronavirus problems. The centre-forward suffered a shoulder injury on international duty with Nigeria against Sierra Leone in the […]

Victor Osimhen made his much-awaited return for Napoli in their 3-1 defeat to Hellas Verona in Sunday’s Serie A game.

The Super Eagles forward last featured for the Parthenopeans in November against Bologna due to injury and coronavirus problems.

The centre-forward suffered a shoulder injury on international duty with Nigeria against Sierra Leone in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Osimhen suffered a further setback when he tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the West African country, where he had gone to celebrate the yuletide season and attend his birthday party.

Napoli started the game brightly when Hirving Lozano opened the scoring only one minute into the game after receiving a timely assist from Diego Demme.

Federico Dimarco then levelled matters for Hellas Verona in the 34th minute after he was set up by Marco Davide Faraoni.

Antonin Barak then gave Ivan Juric’s men the lead moments before the hour mark after benefitting from an assist from Mattia Zaccagni.

In an effort to try and avoid defeat, manager Gattuso brought on his club-record signing, Osimhen, in the 65th minute for Andrea Petagna.