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Super Eagles sensation Victor Osimhen faced a barrage of criticism following Napoli's disappointing exit from the Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Osimhen, who played the full duration of the encounter, struggled to make an impact as Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-1 win on the night, securing a 4-2 aggregate triumph.
The dressing room atmosphere turned sour as players expressed dissatisfaction with Osimhen's contributions, citing concerns of over-pampering and excessive pay without commensurate on-field performances.
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Osimhen poor performance
According to reports from Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, via Calcio Napoli 1926, discontent brewed within the Napoli dressing room, particularly aimed at Osimhen's performance.
"Osimhen, overpaid and pampered by a club that this season has granted him everything (from treatment in Nigeria to extra holidays for personal reasons) has worn the role of the superstar without, however, repaying the generous benefits received off the pitch on the pitch, something that the locker room did not digest well."
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The Napoli squad felt that despite the club's efforts to accommodate Osimhen's needs, the striker failed to deliver pivotal performances when it mattered most.
"Historically, champions are granted greater freedom, as long as they prove decisive in times of need. In some ways, he is an annoying, but also divisive, leader."
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"He also appears capable of disturbing the climate of the dressing room, as when he decided (with the manager and the club) not to even go to the bench with Genoa, after his return from the African Cup of Nations."
Despite his lucrative contract extension with Napoli, making him the highest-paid player in the club's history, Osimhen's on-field performance failed to meet expectations.
With 14 goal involvements in 17 league appearances this season, the striker's contribution fell short of what was anticipated.
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