Barça vs Napoli: Cancelo hails Osimhen ahead of crucial UCL clash

Barcelona defender João Cancelo has showered encomiums on Napoli's Victor Osimhen ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash on Tuesday, March 12.

The Catalan Kings will square off against the Serie A champions in the second leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

The first leg ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples with Robert Lewandowski and Victor Osimhen on target for their respective clubs.

The first leg result has set the tone for what promises to be another exciting encounter in Spain as both clubs chase quarterfinal qualification.

Speaking in a pre-match interview, Manchester City loanee Cancelo extolled Nigeria's Victor Osimhen as one of the best strikers in the world.

“And Politano? They are exceptional talents, Osimhen scored with half the ball in the first leg, he is one of the best strikers in the world,” Cancelo said.

“But there is more: I like Zielinski who can’t play because he is not on the list, and Lobotka, I faced him with Portugal, and he is a great player.”

Osimhen has been in remarkable form since returning from the African Cup of Nations.

The reigning African Player of The Year has scored 5 goals under new boss Francesco Calzona who took over Walter Mazzarri.

WDN