Super Eagles stars to score against Real Madrid: Osimhen to star again?

super eagles star victor osimhen — Photo by Icon sport

The UEFA Champions League is back, and many Nigerians will be looking forward to the games, especially the Super Eagles stars in action.

As the premier club competition in Europe enters its second match day, several Super Eagles stars will be in action, but the pick of the pack is Victor Osimhen.

The Napoli star is at loggerheads with his club but should be in action against European giants Real Madrid.

Both teams have some history between them, having met on different occasions.

The Partenopei is yet to record a win against Los Merengues in their four encounters, but that is something Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen will want to change.

Super Eagles stars who have scored against Real Madrid

Real Madrid has had torrid times when they come up against Super Eagles players.

The competition is irrelevant to these Nigerians. All they want to do is score and make an impression, and Victor Osimhen (who has been on the radar of Los Merengues) will want to emulate his predecessors.

James Obiorah

James Obiorah scored for Lokomotiv Moscow in a Champions League 2-2 draw against Real Madrid on December 11 2002.

Yussuf Ayila

The former Super Eagles midfielder was in action for Dynamo Kyiv when the two sides clashed in the UEFA Champions League in 2004.

He scored the opening goal in the second leg but saw his side drawing the game 2-2.

Emmanuel Dennis

The former Club Brugge striker was a menace for Los Blancos when the two sides clashed in the 2019 Champions League.

The Nigerian forward scored a brace that would have given the Belgian side a famous win at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Casemiro scored a late equalizer to end the tie 2-2.

Other Super Eagles players to have scored against Real Madrid include Ikechukwu Uche (Recreativo Huelva & Getafe), Kalu Uche (Almeria), Finidi George (Real Betis) and the latest being Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal) in 2023.

Can Real Madrid stop the Super Eagles star?

super eagles forwrd osimhen scoring for Napoli — Photo by Icon sport

Napoli have not been in perfect form this season, but somehow are third in Serie A behind Inter Milan and AC Milan.

A fourth league win over Lecce saw them move up the table after a topsy-turvy start to the season.

Both sides go into this tie off the back of impressive wins this weekend, but can Los Blancos stop the Super Eagles star who contributed one of the goals?

Real Madrid has always struggled against superstar strikers, conceding to them most times they clash.

Their history is replete with great names who have scored against them, and Nigerian strikers have found their names inside the list.

It is unlikely that Real Madrid will be able to curtail Osimhen despite the issues he is battling with Napoli.

Real Madrid has defensive problems, with only two centre-backs (Antonio Rudiger & Nacho available for this tie.

🔵🗣️ Rudi Garcia: "Kvara used to play with a lot of anxiety, he was looking a lot for the goal but he had been missing for a long time."

"Now that he has regained his calm, he has also regained the goal." (Di Marzio)

Tomorrow: Real Madrid at home! 👀🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/HDvNnaYEcp

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 2, 2023

Osimhen's form this season

napoli and super eagles striker victor osimhen — Photo by Icon sport

While Real Madrid is angling for Kylian Mbappe, they also have an eye for Osimhen.

The Napoli striker is also wanted by Chelsea, who are preparing a mega deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge. It shows the value he has.

Despite the hue and cry over Osimhen's form this season, the Super Eagles striker has been prolific in front of goal.

The 2022/23 Serie A topscorer has found the back of the net five times in the league this term from seven games.

The frontman scored two goals against Frosinone and one each against Sassuolo, Udinese and Lecce.

Osimhen has been at the butt of criticism in this campaign, but it has been a harsh assessment of his achievements this term.

Perhaps his lofty standards are beginning to weigh on him.

What a player Victor Osimhen us 💚🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/7r5roNTkPe

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) October 2, 2023

Predictions

Whenever both sides clash, they have produced exciting football. It should be no different this time.

Real Madrid sits atop the La Liga table with only one loss this term, the same with the Partenopei.

Both sides have identical league goal records – scoring 16 and conceding six goals.

While Real Madrid have the edge in the Champions League – winning their first game, they will struggle to contain Osimhen, as he possesses an aerial threat.

Los Blancos have been weak when it comes to defending set pieces.

Prediction

Osimhen to score: The Super Eagles striker should score in this game to boost his resume.

Real Madrid have never lost to Napoli, and this should be no different. The best Napoli should expect is a draw.

Players to watch:
Napoli: Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia, Zielinski
Real Madrid: Bellingham, Rodrygo, Valverde