Victor Osimhen silenced the doubters and propelled Napoli into the Champions League last 16 with a clinical finish, finally ending their two-month winless streak at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The newly-crowned African Player of the Year, who hadn’t scored since early October, bagged a crucial goal in the first half, adding to Serder Saatci’s comical own goal, to secure a 2-0 victory over Braga and send the Italian champions through as Group C runners-up behind Real Madrid.
With pressure mounting after a six-match winless run at home, Napoli looked determined from the start.
Braga, needing a two-goal win to leapfrog Napoli, squandered a golden opportunity early on, but Saatci’s unfortunate own goal in the ninth minute set the tone for Napoli’s dominant performance.
Osimhen, who had moments of frustration earlier, found redemption in the 33rd minute. Natan’s precise cross found the Nigerian striker unmarked in the box, and he bundled the ball home to double Napoli’s lead and effectively kill off Braga’s hopes.
The goal, Osimhen’s first in this season’s Champions League, sent a wave of relief through the stadium.
Despite Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa missing a clear-cut chance in the second half, Napoli comfortably held on, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s continued struggles the only minor blemish on the evening.
This victory marks more than just a ticket to the Champions League knockout stages.
