Victor Osimhen banishes old ghosts on return to Germany in Okocha's old home

Victor Osimhen scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory for Napoli at Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday to give his side a comfortable lead heading into the second leg of their round of 16 tie in a fortnight. Giovanni di Lorenzo scored the second goal for the visitors.

The Nigerian striker, who is enjoying a good streak of form, returned to Germany to banish old ghosts. Six years ago, he was a starlet at Wolfsburg, the town where the famous Volkswagen vehicles are made. But he didn’t score a goal as injuries put paid to his early career promise.

But on Tuesday night, he returned to Germany and made the entire country take notice of his second coming with a fantastic sweeping goal past Kevin Trapp to give the visitors the lead. Moments later he scored another similar goal but it was ruled out for an offside.

He had earlier won a penalty kick after a tackle caught him on the edge of the box. But teammate Kvicha Kvaratskhelia saw the kick saved by Trapp. It begged the quest, why is Osimhen not playing his penalties? He missed a penalty in the group stage against Liverpool, but that is not enough to reduce his part in the team to a winner of but not the take of Napoli’s penalties.

Nevertheless, on a cold February night in Europe’s banking capital, Osimhen made a name for himself on a ground that used to be the stomping ground of his compatriot, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. It was on this ground where Okocha scored his famous ‘goal of the year’ against Oliver Kahn and Karlsruhe in 1993.

Many Frankfurt fans remember and adore Okocha for his goal an impact in their club. I am certain that Osimhen will live long in their memory after this memorable game tonight. Two Nigerians, 20 years apart, making history on the famous grounds of the Frankfurt Stadium.

In a season where Napoli are conquering all in front of them, Frankfurt is just another win on a hot streak of form that could lead them to the Serie A and Champions League titles. And one Nigerian is carrying them on that journey, Victor Osimhen.