Victor Osimhen aims to extend his recent scoring streak in the UEFA Champions League as Napoli prepares to host Real Madrid at the Diego Maradona Stadium on Tuesday, according to IWITNESSLIVE Sports.
The Nigerian striker has found the net in consecutive matches for the Partenopei during their recent Serie A victories over Udinese and Lecce, following a period of tension with the club related to TikTok. He hopes that his goal(s) can prove decisive as they square off against Los Blancos for the fifth time in the competition’s history.
Since his €70 million transfer from Lille three years ago, a record-breaking fee for an African player, Osimhen has accumulated 64 goals and 15 assists in 109 appearances across all competitions for Napoli.
It’s worth noting that Napoli has struggled against Real Madrid in recent encounters, losing three out of their last four meetings, with their sole draw dating back to the 1987/88 first-round, second-leg clash in Naples.
The 24-year-old will also seek to add to his tally in the Champions League against Real Madrid. The former Lille and Sporting Charleroi striker has scored five times and will look to equal Ahmed Musa’s scoring record (six goals) in the competition.
Obafemi Martins leads the top-scoring chart for Nigerians in the Champions League including qualifying with 10 goals. The quartet Julius Aghahowa, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Ikpeba and Ayegbeni Yakubu are joint second having scored seven goals each.
Speaking ahead of the game, Napoli captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo has warned Real Madrid insisting Osimhen ‘hasn’t changed.
The Italy international spoke at a press conference on the eve of Tuesday’s (today) Champions League game.
“It is a game we must play, this competition is Real Madrid’s home, they’ve won the trophy many times, but we are ready, we play at home, so the stadium will be full and we’ll do our best to cause trouble for them,” he said.
“We know we face a strong side, but we are ready. It will be thrilling.
“Nothing has changed for us. Osimhen’s relationships inside the dressing room, his behaviour and his desire to give the best for this team has not changed.
“He (Osimhen) is always available for his teammates, as you saw in the game (against Lecce). To us, he is the same Osimhen. A great player who gives his best and will continue doing the same tomorrow (today).”
Despite Di Lorenzo’s comments, several Italian reports claim Osimhen’s Napoli future remains uncertain despite his latest Instagram message.
The striker did not mention the club directly in his message to the club fans on Sunday and didn’t mention his future at the Stadio Maradona.
The striker’s deal runs out in June 2025, and his agent has yet to reach an agreement with the Partenopei despite months of negotiations.