By Amaechi Agbo
Victor Osimhen has assured Napoli fans that he would be available for the Champions League quarter-final clashes against rivals, AC Milan.
The 24 years old was ruled out of Napoli’s Sunday’s Serie A clash with 4th placed Milan after picking up an injury while on International duty with his country, Nigeria.
Osimhen who played all 180 minutes in Nigeria’s double header 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifiers last month but failed to score, returned to the club with adductor issue which will see him out of action at least for 10 to 12 days.
However, he is targeting the Champions League quarter-final with the same opponent, as the first leg is at San Siro on April 12, then the decider at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18.
“It is nothing serious, but I want to take these 10-12 days to rest and recover,” Osimhen told TG5.
“I hope to be there, but I have also been told and I am convinced that I will be on the pitch against Milan.”
Meanwhile, the Partenopei are at least 19 points clear at the top of the table and that could well be extended this weekend, especially as Inter lost 1-0 at home to Fiorentina.
“We are all happy and giving our best to make our dream come true. We are close to the objective and can’t wait for that dream to become reality. Naples is extraordinary, so passionate. I have never received so much love and I can’t wait to celebrate the title with them in the stadium and in the streets.”
Football Italia reports that Osimhen has become a hero to the young fans of Napoli, many of whom try to emulate their icon by copying his protective mask and bleached hair, though some also tried a bit too hard and ‘blacked up’ for carnival.
The Nigeria international was asked about the issue of racism and what can be done about it in 2023.
“I will use everything at my disposal to defeat racism. It is not nice to be judged by the colour of your skin. Every parent must make their children understand it is wrong.
“My partner is white, so are many of my friends and I love them all. This racism has to end, because it psychologically damages so many kids.”
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