)
The Super Eagles forward was denied a penalty early in the second half against the LaLiga giants, annoying the Partenopei head coach.
Napoli head coach Francesco Calzona believes the Partenopei were denied a penalty in the second half of their Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday.
)
23:06 - 12.03.2024
Osimhen caged by 17-year-old as Barcelona knockout Napoli
Barcelona's Champions League ambitions live on as they send Osimhen and company home thanks to a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Barcelona vs Napoli
The Italian side exited the competition after a 3-1 loss on the night meant they were beaten 4-2 on aggregate, but the coach believes they could have levelled at 2-2 if there was a VAR intervention on a challenge on Victor Osimhen early in the second half.
The Partenopei had a slow start and trailed 2-0 at the Montjuic after Fermin Lopez (15) and Joao Cancelo (17) scored twice inside two minutes to put the Spanish giants 3-1 up on aggregate. However, Napoli responded with an impressive team goal finished off by Amir Rrahmani in the 30th minute to halve the deficit on the night and put the away side one goal away from levelling the tie on aggregate.
This would have been possible had Osimhen been awarded a penalty after a challenge by debuting Champions League centre-back Pau Cubarsi in the 50th minute of proceedings.
)
)
07:03 - 22.02.2024
UCL: Henry challenges Osimhen after the Napoli striker’s goal against Barcelona
The Arsenal legend wants the Super Eagles centre-forward’s next transfer to take him to a higher level.
What happened between Osimhen and Cubarsi?
After a Napoli passing sequence, the ball found its way to Matteo Politano on the right flank, and the Italy international lofted a pass to find Osimhen’s run, with the 17-year-old defender close to the Nigerian.
The African Footballer of the Year went down after the centre-back seemingly treaded on the Super Eagles forward's foot. However, Danny Makkelie did not point to the penalty spot, neither was there a VAR intervention for a pitch-side review. This annoyed Calzona, who did not understand the non-decision.
“Looking at the footage, it does seem to be a penalty. I cannot understand why the VAR at these levels would not intervene in a situation like that,” said the Napoli boss after the defeat. “They should take all the time necessary to come to the right decision. It looks like a clear penalty, and that could’ve changed the course of the game.”
How did Osimhen fare against Barcelona?
It was not Osimhen’s best night as he was caught offside multiple times (three) and missed a chance termed as a clear-cut opportunity with his only shot against the Blaugrana. Furthermore, the Nigerian won none of his four ground duels and was successful in one aerial duel from six attempts.
However, he did provide shooting opportunities for teammates with two key passes in the loss to Xavi Hernandez’s men.
)
17:14 - 11.03.2024
4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG
Victor Osimhen is a hot commodity in the transfer market and the subject of a potential bidding war among top clubs in the summer.
What comes next for Osimhen before the international break?
Osimhen is expected to play on Napoli’s return to Serie A action to face champions-elect Inter Milan on March 17, keen to end the Nerazzurri's unblemished start to 2024 — Simone Inzaghi's men have won 10 games on the trot since the turn of the year.
Napoli are three points adrift of sixth-placed Atalanta and seven shy of Bologna occupying fourth.
While a Champions League spot next season is unlikely, Italy potentially getting an extra slot in Europe gives the Partenopei an outside chance, with the Naples club just four points behind fifth-placed Roma in the standings.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)