Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been making waves in European football since joining Napoli in the summer of 2020. However, it wasn’t until he suffered a cheekbone injury in November 2021 that he truly began to shine. Forced to wear a mask to protect his face, Osimhen’s goals and assists increased significantly, leading Italian outlet Pazzi Di Fanta to compare him to Spider-Man.
Before his injury, Osimhen had already established himself as a prolific goalscorer, with 19 goals and five assists in 46 games for Napoli. However, his time on the sidelines seemed to have given him a new lease on life. Since returning to the pitch with a mask, he has scored 34 goals and provided nine assists in just 45 appearances. This means that his goal contributions per game have increased from 0.52 to 0.96.
Osimhen’s sensational form has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him in the summer. However, Napoli will be keen to hold onto their star striker, especially as they continue to dominate Serie A this season. With a 19-point lead over their nearest rivals, Luciano Spaletti’s side are well on their way to winning the league. They are also into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they will face AC Milan.
Despite his success at Napoli, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. If he does leave the Italian side, he will be sorely missed. In just 91 games for Napoli, he has scored an impressive 53 goals and provided 14 assists. His performances this season have been particularly outstanding, leading some to compare him to Spider-Man.
The comparison is not without merit. Like the superhero, Osimhen has overcome adversity to become a force to be reckoned with. His injury could have derailed his career, but instead, it seems to have spurred him on to greater heights. With his mask firmly in place, he has become a goal-scoring machine, terrorizing defenses across Europe.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Osimhen can maintain his current form over the long term. Football is a fickle game, and injuries can strike at any time. However, if he continues to play like Spider-Man, there’s no doubt that he will be one of the most sought-after players in world football.
For now, though, Osimhen is focused on helping Napoli win the league and progress in the Champions League. Whether he stays at the club beyond this season remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: he has already left his mark on Italian football.