Victor Osimhen celebrates victory during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 match between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire on 27 January 2024 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Thursday Feb 29, 2024. 16:45
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was ‘incredibly draining both mentally and physically’ for Victor Osimhen.
This is according to SSC Napoli interim manager Fransceco Calzona after the Nigerian striker grabbed a hat-trick in the team’s 6-1 win over US Sassuolo on Wednesday.
Osimhen became only the third player in Napoli’s history to reach double figures in four consecutive seasons for the club.
Calzona also commented on the form of Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who two goals on the night.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is incredibly draining both mentally and physically and he needed to get into top shape again. Kvara is finding his old sparkle as well.”
Osimhen matched the achievements of footballing icon Diego Maradona and Attila Sallustro who were the first two players to reach double figures in four consecutive seasons for Napoli.
The 25-year-old has netted 13 goals in 21 matches across all competitions for Napoli this season.
