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By Peter Akinbo.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has hailed Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen‘s leadership ability in a interview on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Peseiro was at Osimhen’s Napoli fixture against Salernitana in the derby last Saturday in a game where the Nigeria international scored a goal as the tie finished 2-0 and saw Napoli extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table to 12 points.
Peseiro was asked what the 24-year-old brought to the national team and the Portuguese praised his leadership qualities.
“He is a leader. Thanks to his performances, he was able to take the locker room. Because he is a top player, but above all a great motivator. He always asks everyone to give their all,” Peseiro said.
The Nigerian’s excellent performances has seen him register 14 goals and four assists across 19 appearances in all competitions for Napoli this season.
His goals have fired the Parthenopeans to the top of Serie A with 50 points at the mid-way point of the season and they look within reach of the Scudetto title.
“It’s an extraordinary thing. Because if you win in Naples it’s more beautiful than in squares used to winning like Inter, Milan or Juventus. And in fact I hope they can win the Scudetto. Also it will help the national team, obviously because winning brings a winning mentality,” Peseiro said.
Peseiro, who spoke with Osimhen after the derby against Salernitana, praised his mindset as he wasn’t happy despite scoring because he wanted more.
“Victor is incredible, because he’s never happy. Even when he scores and it’s decisive. He was happy for the goal, but he would have liked to do more. He’s like that: he’s never satisfied. The next game always counts for him. But he’s never satisfied. I’m surprised,” the Portuguese coach said.
Manchester United have reportedly reconsidered making a move for the Napoli striker in the summer transfer window.
Italian transfer expert, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Erik ten Hag’s side want to sign Osimhen in the summer as their permanent Cristiano Ronaldo replacement.
“Man United have to pay at least €120m [£105m] for him, but Premier League clubs have that option, so it could well happen. Manchester United certainly want to sign him, but there are other clubs who are planning the same,” he told Dutch outlet SoccerNews.