Osimhen delivers for Napoli again, but Chukwueze’s Villarreal prove to be superior

The Nigerian striker has been consistent for the Partenopeans this year, and he showed his ability again against Villarreal 

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored the opener for Napoli in their 3-2 loss to Villarreal at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Napoli welcomed Villarreal to the Diego Maradona Stadium in Naples in their third mid-season friendly fixture. The Partenopeans had won their previous two pre-season fixtures while Villarreal had won two of their previous three.

The Partenopeans were the better side from the start, but they conceded a goal against the run of play as Etienne Capoue put Villarreal in front in the 12th minute.

However, Napoli did not take long before they responded and it was their hitman that came through. Osimhen benefited from a stray pass in Villarreal’s final third and got one on one with goalkeeper Reina; he showed great composure, striking the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-1.

Both teams asked questions from each other, but they took the 1-1 scoreline into the break.

Osimhen was taken off in the 60th minute and Giovanni Simeone was introduced in his place. Then, seven minutes later, Nicolas Jackson put Villarreal in front again.

Before Napoli could get their acts together, the Yellow Submarine struck again through Gerard Moreno, who made it 3-1 in the 70th minute.

Super Eagles forward Chukwueze was introduced into the game in the 71st minute, replacing Yeremy Pino on the right.

< Napoli fought hard for an equalizer, but all they could get was a consolation goal through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 79th minute.

The game ended 3-2 in favour of Villarreal, and it was Napoli’s first loss of the mid-season friendlies. Nonetheless, the Partenopeans can make a comeback in their final game against Lille on the 21st of December.

Napoli returns to Serie A action on the 4th of January against Inter Milan.