Nigeria international and Africa’s all-time most expensive player, Victor Osimhen, on Sunday, made his debut in a competitive game for Napoli.
The Italian club defeated Parma 2-0 away at the Ennio Tardini Stadium courtesy of goals from Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne.
The goals came shortly after Osimhen – who started on the bench – was brought on in the 61st minute for his debut.
Osimhen signed from Lille in the summer. The 21-year-old sealed a big-money move worth up to €80m from Lille during the summer to become the Partenopei’s most expensive signing in history.
Three minutes after he was introduced into the game, Hirving Lozano crossed the ball into the area and Parma defender Simone Iacoponi headed his attempted clearance straight to the feet of Mertens who fired past Luigi Sepe from 15 metres.
Insigne struck the post from Oshimhen’s flick before Parma gifted Napoli a second goal.
Lozano intercepted a pass out of the Parma defence, his shot was saved by Sepe but Insigne snapped up the rebound in the 77th minute.
Osimhen had an opportunity to score his first goal for Napoli not long after but his effort was wide off target.
The Super Eagles’ forward’s time on the pitch saw him have two shots off target, five accurate passes from five (100%), four key passes and two clearances.
Sunday’s victory represents a fine start for Napoli who will be looking to be back in contention for the Serie A title after finishing seventh last season.
The club is playing in Europe by virtue of winning the Coppa Italia after beating Juventus on penalties in June.
Napoli take on Genoa at the San Paolo next Sunday.
