In Napoli's 4-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the Super Eagles forward completely destroyed the Liverpool defence.
Victor Osimhen showed why he was one of Europe's top attackers during the summer transfer window for forty minutes that evening in Naples. Osimhen might have relocated to the north in the off-season if it weren't for an outrageous transfer fee and an aggressive Aurelio de Laurentiis. He remained in Napoli and advanced to become a team captain. Many people expected Osimhen to emerge and succeed him during a time when the Neapolitans have lost some of their most seasoned and reliable talismans.
Osimhen from Nigeria is aware of the responsibility on his shoulders and has demonstrated that he is up for the task when called upon, but Napoli hasn't put their future and success in his hands. Giacomo Raspadori, Khvicha Kvaratshkelia, and Giovanni Simone were among the major but unpopular attacking acquisitions they made to support his abilities. It was a wise choice, as it is now showing.
Losing and replacing Dries Mertens' dependability and Lorenzo Insigne's expertise in the same window must have seemed impossible for Napoli, but their excellent scouting has yielded rewards they never could have anticipated.
Though Osimhen's injury was concerning, Napoli has shared the goals in his absence, with Kvaratshkelia and Raspadori standing out in particular. Napoli has scored 19 goals in the six games they have played without him and appears to have a very strong attacking network. The former Lille forward is Napoli's crowning achievement, and their supporters adore him. His injury history makes it challenging to construct title runs around him, but when he's well and prepared, his talent is evident.
If the past few weeks are even remotely close to an experiment, Napoli may have been ready to move forward without Osimhen and see how much they can do without him. If so, there must have been some sound conclusions to draw from them that won't be altogether favourable to the Nigerian.
In Osimhen's absence, they have demonstrated their ability to make accurate shots, and Luciano Spalletti must be considering his options aside from the skill of his most valued marksman.
What happens to Osimhen's status at Napoli will be heavily influenced by the upcoming months, but recent weeks have brought some realities closer.