Mazzarri praises Osimhen after injury comeback

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following his impressive performance in the champions hard-fought 2-1 win over Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The game was the striker’s first appearance since October 13 when he picked up a hamstring injury while on duty for Nigeria during an international friendly against Saudi Arabia in Portugal.

The injury also forced him out of the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifiers games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe during the last international break.

While out, Osimhen has missed five games for Napoli and his last game for the Partenopeans was on October 8 when he scored in their 3-1 win over Fiorentina.

The 24-year-old was regarded as a major doubt for the game against Atalanta but the Nigerian made the substitute bench and was introduced into the game with 25 minutes to play after he replaced Giacomo Raspadori.

Some minutes after his introduction, the 24-year-old played a great pass to Eljif Elmas, who sent a low drive into the net.

After the game, Napoli boss Mazzarri was quite pleased with Osimhen, and he showered encomiums on the striker.

“Osimhen? We’re talking about a champion. He told me he could do 20-25 minutes (against Atalanta). A player like that can make the difference; he makes the opposing defenses worried,” Mazzarri said per Napoli Magazine.

Aside from his assist, Osimhen’s return also left a lot to ponder as he did so without his trademark protective mask.

The centre-forward has been wearing a version of the mask since the horrific clash of heads with Milan Skriniar on the trip to Inter in October 2021.

When he returned in January 2022, it was with this mask, which became a trademark, copied by kids worldwide. His doctors assured him that the mask was no longer needed last year, but Osimhen continued to use it, especially after winning the Scudetto with this lucky charm. However, with Luciano Spalletti and now Rudi Garcia also gone, he seems to be seeking a fresh start under new coach Walter Mazzarri.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).