Victor Osimhen, freshly honored as Africa’s top footballer, showcased his prowess by scoring his first Champions League goal for Napoli within 24 hours of claiming the prestigious CAF award.
The Nigerian sensation dazzled on Tuesday night at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, securing a thrilling first-half goal that bolstered Napoli’s triumph to a 2-0 victory over Braga, a formidable Portuguese opponent.
Braga’s promising start fizzled abruptly when Saatchi’s unintentional deflection found the back of their own net, handing the Italian champions Napoli an early lead merely nine minutes into the game.
The match surged with opportunities, witnessing goalkeeping heroics on both ends as Horta and Zielinski were denied by formidable saves.
However, Natan’s powerful advance paved the way for Osimhen’s seamless finish, clinching the Serie A side’s second goal at the 33rd-minute mark, marking his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season.
Dominating the initial half, the Italian giants marched into halftime with a comfortable two-goal cushion, edging closer to securing a coveted spot in the last 16, leaving the Os Arsenalistas trailing.
Despite an intense second half, both sides failed to alter the scoreline, sealing Osimhen’s record to seven goals in 15 appearances for Napoli this season.
Next on Napoli’s agenda is a faceoff against Cagliari in a Serie A showdown, promising an exhilarating clash on Sunday.
Osimhen’s rapid response on the European stage post his crowning achievement as the African Footballer of the Year adds another glorious chapter to his rising football saga, affirming his status as a potent force in global football arenas.
