Victor Osimhen: Napoli explains why Nigerian striker was benched for Serie A clash against Inter

Napoli's talisman, Victor Osimhen, was conspicuously missing from their Serie A clash against league leaders Inter Milan at the San Siro on Sunday, March 17th.

Despite being named in the squad list for the game, the 25-year-old remained on the bench for the entirety of the match, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

According to insights shared by All Nigeria Soccer, Napoli have revealed that Osimhen was nursing a pre-existing injury, and the coaching staff opted not to risk him by naming him in the starting lineup.

The Nigerian forward has been instrumental for Napoli since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in February, featuring in almost all their matches and netting five goals across all competitions.

Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli's success last season, guiding them to their first Serie A title in 33 years with an impressive tally of 26 goals in 33 matches.

Despite his absence, Napoli managed to halt Inter Milan's remarkable run of ten consecutive Serie A victories with a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

Matteo Darmian opened the scoring for Inter in the first half, but Napoli responded strongly, equalizing late in the game through a header from Juan Jesus.

Despite dropping two points, Inter still maintains a healthy lead at the top of the table with 76 points with a comfortable 14-point gap over second-placed AC Milan.

For Napoli, the draw kept their hopes of securing European competition qualification alive, propelling them to seventh place in the Serie A standings with 45 points.

Victor Osimhen was an unused substitute in Napoli's draw with Inter tonight.

Coach Francesco Calzona confirmed it's rather a precautionary measure as the striker has an inflammation of the scar of an old injury. pic.twitter.com/s0G3wvoUS8

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) March 17, 2024