Xavi, Cancelo Wary Of Osimhen’s Threat

Eko Hot Blog reports that Xavi Hernandez has cautioned Barcelona players to remain vigilant against the formidable threat of striker Victor Osimhen in the upcoming UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash with Napoli on Tuesday.

Editor’s Pick

• US Boosts Support For Haiti’s Security Amidst Escalating Crisis
• Explosion Victims In Ibadan Cry Neglect, Government Responds
• Ambode’s Chef Lands In Prison For ‘Stealing’ Ex-Lagos Governor’s Properties

Osimhen secured a well-deserved draw for Naples during the first leg by converting a pass from Frank Anguissa in the 75th minute.

Barcelona secured the lead at the hour mark with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski scoring his 93rd career goal in the Champions League, assisted by Pedri’s exquisite through ball.

After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the 25-year-old has netted five goals in as many games for Napoli, a performance that Xavi views as a formidable threat.

“We saw them from the first leg — Osimhen and Kvaratshkelia are top-level players and dangerous.

“For us, it is essential to defend well against them against and limit the chances they get to hurt us. He (Osimhen) scored from the real chance he had in the first leg and we must not let that happen,” Xavi said.

Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo also commended Osimhen, acknowledging him as one of the current best players globally. The two teams face each other today at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in a decisive match where the victor claims all.

Cancelo adds that Osimhen must be watched.

“Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen, and Politano are exceptional talents. Osimhen scored against us in the first leg with half a chance. He is one of the best strikers in the world,” Cancelo told La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Barcelona’s UCL clash against Napoli.

“In the first leg, Napoli were poor and created very few chances. But Osimhen had just one crack at goal and scored.”

Since that game, Napoli have scored 10 goals in five matches with Osimhen involved in six of them (five goals and one assist).

Napoli are expected to present a sterner test for the reigning Spanish champions, and Osimhen would be leading that charge.

Meanwhile, Last season’s Capcannoniere is expected to lead a front three also featuring Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano.

Further Reading

• Madrid Sweep Past Hapless Celta To Stay Clear In La Liga
• Buhari Rates Tinubu’s Perfomance ‘One Year’ As Nigerian President
• Price of Rice: Top Nine Rice Brands in Nigeria and Their Current Prices

Osimhen will aim to score his 10th Champions League goal which will make him Nigeria’s most prolific player in the competition, moving clear of Obafemi Martins who scored nine goals in 34 UCL games.

Click here to watch our video of the week