Former Napoli left-back Mario Rui has lavished praise on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, insisting the Nigerian forward is a rare talent capable of thriving at any elite club.
Reflecting on their partnership during Napoli’s historic Scudetto triumph, Rui told Tutto Sport:
“It was decisive. Look, Victor is someone who can play for any top club in the world. It would be a problem for Serie A if he returned.
Rui emphasized that Osimhen’s presence alone can drastically elevate a team’s quality. “I’m thinking of Juve: with someone like that up front, the value of the squad would change drastically,” he added.
Osimhen’s Legacy in Italy and Turkey
Osimhen’s impact in Italian football is well-documented. During the 2022–23 Serie A season, he scored 26 goals, earning the Capocannoniere award and becoming the first African player in the league’s 125-year history to finish as top scorer. He also surpassed George Weah to become Serie A’s all-time highest-scoring African and was hailed as one of the league’s most dominant forwards.
Beyond individual accolades, Osimhen played a central role in Napoli’s first league title in 33 years, delivering 65 Serie A goals in 108 appearances over four seasons.
His move to Turkey only enhanced his reputation. On loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 matches, leading the Turkish giants to a league title while proving he can shine in any top European competition.
World-Class Potential
Rui believes Osimhen’s combination of skill, finishing, and consistency makes him capable of thriving anywhere. “Victor is a player that can play at the highest level, anywhere in the world,” Rui concluded, underscoring the Nigerian star’s extraordinary pedigree and his growing status as one of football’s elite forwards.
