A former Super Eagles utility player, Garba Lawal, has said so much pressure is on Napoli’s newly signed striker, Victor Osimhen, but the youngster has the capacity to deliver for his new club.
After a transfer saga that lasted for months, the Nigerian international joined Serie A giants Napoli for a whopping amount of over £73 million, making him the most expensive African player in history.
Ndidi backs Osimhen to shine at Napoli
Osimhen grabs back-to-back hattrick for Napoli
Before he transferred to Napoli, Osimhen was linked with several top clubs in Europe like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and a host of others.
The former Golden Eaglets marksman hit the ground running as he produced double hat-tricks in his new club’s pre-season friendly matches to announce his arrival in Italy.
Obviously in the plans of Napoli manager, Gennaro Gattuso, Oshimhen is expected to carry his form into the Serie A as his club travels to Parma on Sunday for their opening match of the season.
Lawal told Daily Trust on Wednesday that he has no iota of doubt about the ability of the youngster to deliver for Napoli because he carries with him a ‘lion’s heart’.
He, however, said to shine, Osimhen must be ready to score consistently to wear down the pressure that he is going to face as one of the best strikers in the world.
The former JC Roda of Holland player also said the Super Eagles striker should not be deceived by his hat-tricks in the club’s two friendly matches.
“It is going to be a tough one for him but I am confident that if he maintains his work rate, he would deliver the goods for Napoli.
“He may be young but Osimhen is a born striker who is as brave as a lion.
“He likes challenges and I think the present one won’t be too much for him to handle.
“I believe a good game against Parma will put him in a good frame for future matches.
“The pressure is much but I am confident he will absorb every bit of it,” he said.
Reports have suggested that Osimhen may not start for Napoli in their opening match of the season at Parma.
