TheNewsGuru

Tag: Napoli

  • Man Utd have transfer tactical plan for Victor Osimhen

    Man Utd have transfer tactical plan for Victor Osimhen

    Manchester United are waiting to pounce for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

    As they rethink their pursuit of Tottenham star Harry Kane, United are switching their sights on Nigeria international Osimhen.

    La Gazzetta dello Sport says United are firming up their interest, though Napoli’s €140m price is deemed too steep.

    Instead, United will wait until later in the transfer window counting on Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis to soften his stance.

    At yesterday’s presentation for new coach Rudi Garcia, De Laurentiis opened the door to Osimhen’s sale.

    “I have said for a while that Osimhen has to stay. Then, if an offer came in that I could not refuse for the good of Napoli, then we would consider it, as is only natural,” said De Laurentiis.

    “We already talked to Osimhen before the Scudetto celebration, so we already have a basic agreement on a two-year extension of his contract. The other players, that is something we need to study with Rudi (Garcia), because I have for many years been convinced that pre-season training is fundamental.”

  • FIFA honours Victor Osimhen

    FIFA honours Victor Osimhen

    The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has honoured Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this coming after Osimhen bagged the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

    In recognition of his performance, the Super Eagles striker was presented with a personalised ball and shirt by Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Director Member Associations Africa.

    “Victor Osimhen, you represent at the moment what football can do.

    “From Lagos to Napoli where people love you, you have suffered, but your love for football and determination have guided you.

    “Keep going, keep pushing. Africa needs examples and millions are watching and dreaming,” Fernandes wrote.

    https://twitter.com/GelsonFernandes/status/1665804912632946688

  • Spalletti to leave Napoli after Serie A title

    Spalletti to leave Napoli after Serie A title

    Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti is set to leave the club after guiding them to their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years.

    Club President Aurelio De Laurentiis said that the 64-year-old, who took over the Partenopei in 2021, has asked to take a sabbatical and would leave the club with a year left on his contract.

    “He’s a free man. Now it’s right that he continues to do what he wants. I thank him,” De Laurentiis said.

    Napoli clinched their first title since 1990, when Diego Maradona led them to the Scudetto, with five games to spare.

    Spalletti’s final game in charge is set to be at home to Sampdoria next Sunday.

    Reports in Italy suggest Napoli will attempt to bring in former FC Barcelona and Spain head coach Luis Enrique to replace Spalletti.

    A number of their star players such as top scorer Victor Osimhen and centre-back Kim Min-jae have been linked with moves away from Naples this summer.

    A host of English Premier League (EPL) clubs are among those reportedly interested.

  • Napoli defender agrees terms with Man Utd

    Napoli defender agrees terms with Man Utd

    Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has agreed to join Manchester United, it has been claimed.

    Il Mattino reports United have struck personal terms with the South Korea international and will trigger his buyout clause of €60m when it comes into effect in the first two weeks of July.

    Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis stated on Sunday that he did expect to lose some “senators” this summer.

    Kim only moved to Napoli last summer from Fenerbahce, but has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford. His switch from Fener cost Napoli €18m.

    This season, Kim has played 43 times in all competitions, scoring two goals in a team that has kept 15 league clean sheets.

    Tribalfootball

  • Algeria 2023: Senegal captain, Diouf reacts to breaking Osimhen’s record

    Algeria 2023: Senegal captain, Diouf reacts to breaking Osimhen’s record

     

    Amara Diouf the Senegal captain has said he’s elated to have broken Nigerian Victor Osimhen’s goals scoring record at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Diouf scored two goals against the Almajimbos of South Africa in the quarter-finals in Algiers on Wednesday evening to increase his tally to Five goals thereby cancelling Osimhen’s four goals set in Niger Republic eight years ago.

    Senegal have got two more games to play and Diouf is delighted he could add to his tally.

    Diouf is delighted to follow in the footsteps of such a successful player after seeing Osimhen’s heroics for Napoli

    “It is always the right path if you follow the examples set by the best players in the competition,” he said in an interview with CAFOnline.

    “This is a massive thing for me and I am really delighted to break the record. It means a lot to me and hopefully, I can also follow his path of success,” Diouf said.

    Senegal have been dubbed favourite to win the championship after winning all their games so far in the competition.

    The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria crashed out of the tournament after losing to junior stallions of Burkina Faso 2-1 at the quarter-final stage.

  • Serie A: Osimhen misses penalty kick, scores another in Napoli win

    Serie A: Osimhen misses penalty kick, scores another in Napoli win

    Victor Osimhen saw one penalty kick saved before scoring another as Napoli marked their Scudetto celebrations with a 1-0 win against Fiorentina amid a carnival atmosphere.

    Having ended a 33-year wait to win the Serie A on Thursday, Luciano Spalletti’s men were greeted by a jubilant crowd at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

    But two much-changed line-ups made for a low-key opening.

    Osimhen thought he had missed the Partenopei’s best chance for victory when he had a second-half penalty kick saved by Pietro Terracciano.

    But a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave him the chance to atone.

    Serie A’s top goalscorer hammered home at the second time of asking, ensuring Napoli’s long-awaited Scudetto party was capped with three points on Sunday.

    Fiorentina gave Napoli a pre-match guard of honour, but they were determined not to extend similar levels of hospitality after kick-off, Luka Jovic heading narrowly over early on.

    Eljif Elmas shot wide as Napoli —- who started with Kvaratskhelia and Stanislav Lobotka on the bench —– were slow to click into gear.

    Jovic went close again when his deft header was turned away by Pierluigi Gollini, before Osimhen fired into the side netting from a tight angle as half-time approached.

    Both Kvaratskhelia and Lobotka were introduced as Napoli looked to step things up.

    The latter had an immediate impact when he tempted Sofyan Amrabat into a clumsy foul after the restart, handing Osimhen his first penalty kick.

    Osimhen was denied on this occasion as Terracciano pushed his effort around the left-hand post.

    But he was to get another chance with 16 minutes left.

    Nicolas Gonzalez tripped Kvaratskhelia as he darted into the area and Osimhen made no mistake second time around, blasting into the roof of the net.

    Christian Kouame missed Fiorentina’s best chance to level when he lifted over late on, ensuring the champions clung on.

  • Nigeria’s president -elect, Tinubu hails Osimhen for his heroics for Napoli

    Nigeria’s president -elect, Tinubu hails Osimhen for his heroics for Napoli

    Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen for his heroics for club and country.

    Tinubu describes Osimhen as the “new king of Serie A” following Napoli’s scudetto win on Tuesday.

     

    The Nigerian delivered the Azzurri’s first Serie A title in 33 years after netting a scudetto-sealing equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Udinese on Thursday.

    Reacting via his Twitter handle on Sunday, Tinubu lauded Osimhen for continuing the fine tradition of Nigeria’s footballing excellence on the global stage.

    He said Nigerians are proud of Osimhen and wish him well in his already remarkable career.

    He wrote: “I think we can all agree that there was another coronation in Italy where our son, Victor Osimhen, claimed the crown as the new King of Serie A! The real deal, or idán gangan as younger folks may describe him; Victor has continued the fine tradition of Nigeria’s footballing excellence on the global stage. We are all proud of him and wish him well in what is already a remarkable career.”

  • “He is marked for stardom” – Nigerians react as Osimhen wins Serie A title

    “He is marked for stardom” – Nigerians react as Osimhen wins Serie A title

    Nigerian football fans in Ebonyi State have hailed Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, over his Italian Serie A title feat with Napoli Football Club of Naples, Italy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osimhen’s 22nd goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with Udinese on Thursday night handed Napoli their first title in 33 years.

    The league title win with five games to play was the club’s first since the late Diego Maradona’s inspired feat of 1990.

    A cross section of fans interviewed by NAN on Friday in Abakaliki said that the feat was a bright spot in the gloom that has surrounded Nigeria’s football recently.

    Ikenna Odo, a Member of the Ebonyi Football Association, said that it was heartwarming for the historic occasion to be centered around Osimhen.

    “Victor has continued to be the shinning light of the nation’s football, churning impressive displays for his club weekly.

    “He had weathered the early storms of Italian football such as its physical approach and racism, to become the toast of fans across the country,” he said.

    Chief Julius Unya, a soccer historian, said that Osimhen was marked for stardom since his eye-popping displays at the FIFA Under-17 world cup in Chile, 2015.

    “Osimhen was second overall best player of the competition with the silver ball award and scored 10 goals, a record for the cadet world cup,” he said.

    Chima Achi, a Business man and Soccer Enthusiast, urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to duly award its best player award for 2023 to Osimhen.

    “The Nigerian striker has garnered all the plaudits since the start of the current European season with sublime goals and breath-taking displays.

    “We pray that what happened in 1998 would not repeat when Nigeria’s Augustine Okocha clearly deserved the award but it was given to Mustapha Hadji of Morocco,” he said.

    Mrs Rachel Obi, a Female Football Coach in Ebonyi, urged Osimhen and other Super Eagles players to replicate such club forms in the Super Eagles.

    “We unfortunately do not see such commitment and scintillating displays with their various clubs, in the Super Eagles.

    “The Eagles could not have been in their present wretched situation if the players play for the team with their hearts,” she said.

    Football fans urge Osimhen to replicate club form for country

    Meanwhile, the football fans called on Osimhen to replicate club form for the national team as Napoli bag Serie A title on Thursday night.

    Some fans who spoke in an interview in Ilorin on Friday celebrated Osimhen and Napoli for the great feat.

    Mr Thomas Ibenjo,said he wished Osimhen can replicate his Napoli form in the super eagles.

    ”I am happy for Osimhen for winning the Serie A in style. How I wish he can  replicate the form in super eagles and drive us to glory again.

    ”He is instrumental to Napoli winning the Scudetto. We want him to also bring the form home to our darling super eagles and drive us to glory,” he said.

    Olukunle Abiola said Osimhen has made a significant impact in his club but much is expected of him at home.

    ”He has performed excellently in Napoli this season. We the super eagles fans now want him to come and do same  at home,” he said.

    On his path, Ahmed Usman said he started supporting Napoli because of Osimhen who always give him Joy.

    ”I fell in love with  Napoli because of Osimhen. I tried to watch all their matches because of his work rate and agility in every match.

    ”All I want from him now is to come and win the African Cup of Nation (AFCON) for Nigeria. Nigeria need him to come and write his name in golden pen,” he said.

    Mr Femi Babatunde said   that Osimhen has won the heart of Napoli fans but yet to win the hearts of Nigerian fans.

    He said Osimhen was  becoming more popular in Italy than Nigeria because of his performance.

    ”Osimhen should come home and win our hearts. Nigeria is your home and we deserve to celebrate major trophy during your own time,” he said.

    Osimhen scored in the  52nd minute away to Udinese on Thursday night to hand Napoli its 3rd Serie A title after 33 years.

    Napoli garnered  80 points from 33 games while   second-placed Lazio are on have 64 points ,with five games left in the season.

  • Serie A: Osimhen equals Eto’o, Weah’s record

    Serie A: Osimhen equals Eto’o, Weah’s record

    Napoli’s point man,  Victor Osimhen has equaled George Weah’s record for the highest African goalscorer in Serie A  after notching his 46th goal for Napoli.

    Osimhen scored against Udinese on Thursday night to help Napoli secure a 1-1 draw and also equal the Liberian record in the Serie A.

    Apart from equaling Weah’s record, Osimhen’s goal also helped Napoli win their first scudetto title first time in 33 years.

    Napoli came into the game needing only a draw to be crowned Italian champions but found themselves behind in the 13th minute after Sandi Lovric put the hosts in front.

    Osimhen netted a title-sealing equalizer for Napoli in the 52nd minute, causing the Napolitan fans to bounce in the Friuli.

    The goal which is his 22nd in the league this season, also saw him equal Samuel Eto’o’s record for the Most Goals Scored by an African Player in a Single Serie A Season.

  • Osimhen’s goal push Napoli to first Serie A title in 33 years

    Osimhen’s goal push Napoli to first Serie A title in 33 years

    Napoli won their third Serie A title, and their first in 33 years, on Thursday after a 1-1 draw at Udinese gave the Naples side an unassailable lead in the standings.

    Napoli’s triumph ended the city’s long wait for the Scudetto since Argentine great Diego Maradona led them to two championships in 1986/1987 and 1989/1990.

    A second-half goal by Victor Osimhen secured Napoli the title with five games remaining in the season.

    “I am overwhelmed right now. It’s an amazing feeling,” Osimhen told reporters.

    “We’ve waited so many years for this moment, and to be able to deliver the Scudetto to the Neapolitans is something we will never forget.”

    Napoli have 80 points, securing their position at the top of the table.

    Second-placed Lazio, who also have five games left to play, are 16 points adrift of Napoli.

    Visiting supporters at the capacity Stadio Friuli held aloft banners adorned with the image of the late Maradona, eagerly anticipating the long-coveted Scudetto.

    Sandi Lovric dampened the spirits of Napoli fans when he scored the opening goal after 13 minutes, with a well-placed shot that found the top-right corner of goal.

    After Udinese’s goal, Napoli stepped up their attack, and in the 53rd minute, Osimhen sparked jubilant celebrations among the visiting fans when he fired in the equaliser from a rebound.

    Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri pulled off a save to block Piotr Zielinski’s half-volley, keeping the scoreline at 1-1 and prolonging the jitters of the Napoli fans.

    As the final whistle blew, Napoli supporters rushed onto the pitch to celebrate the momentous occasion alongside the players.

    “We were the underdogs at the start of the season. Not many believed in us and so many people wrote us off,” Osimhen said.

    “We believed from the start of the season that we have this great squad that can deliver the Scudetto.”