Victor Osimhen, the prolific striker for Napoli, is on the brink of returning to his Italian club following the culmination of his duties at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The final match of the tournament saw Osimhen and his Nigerian compatriots succumb to a narrow 2-1 defeat against hosts Cameroon.
Now, with the dust settling on their African campaign, all eyes are on Osimhen’s anticipated comeback to Napoli’s ranks.
Reports from Football Italia suggest that Osimhen’s return to Naples is imminent, with his arrival expected sometime between Friday and Saturday of this week.
However, the looming question remains unanswered: will Osimhen be thrust back into action in Serie A immediately upon his return?
As Napoli gears up to face off against Genoa this Saturday, speculation abounds regarding Osimhen’s potential role in the fixture.
The decision lies in the hands of caretaker manager Walter Mazzarri, who faces the delicate task of balancing Osimhen’s reintegration with the team’s immediate needs.
Mazzarri may opt for a cautious approach, preferring to hold Osimhen back until Napoli’s upcoming clash with Barcelona in the Champions League next Wednesday.
This strategic move would allow for Osimhen to regain full fitness and form before stepping back onto the Serie A stage.
The implications of Mazzarri’s decision are significant, as Napoli aims to maintain its position near the top of the Serie A table while also competing on the European stage.
With the Champions League encounter against Barcelona looming large, Mazzarri must weigh the short-term benefits of Osimhen’s potential contribution against the long-term gains of his gradual reintroduction.
For Napoli supporters, Osimhen’s return symbolizes a renewed sense of hope and ambition.
His presence on the pitch not only bolsters the team’s attacking prowess but also serves as a rallying point for fans eager to witness their club’s success on multiple fronts.
As the countdown to Osimhen’s Napoli reunion begins, anticipation mounts for the next chapter in the club’s ongoing quest for glory.
