Akeem Lasisi
Imagine the sun being benched in the pitch of the sky.
It can appear in the firmament but will not be allowed to produce sun.
It will not be allowed to shine.
Well, maybe the analogy should be that of a grounded star, though not a twinkle, twinkle little star, but one gallant giant star.
It is not only benched in the azure game, its role has been season-round handed over to another star.
So, it can neither twinkle nor shine.
This appears to be the fate of Victor Osimhen, whom Napoli has removed from their squad in spite of the fact that he is neither ailing nor injured.
Well, the relationship between the club and him is ailing, one should note.
They have neither been able to sell him, nor do they consider him deserving of a shirt in the current season.
Napoli coach, Antonio Conte, has given the hint of a total blackout, saying the Super Eagles, striker would not be reintegrated into the Napoli squad in the 2024/2025 season.
In a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, when asked about the Nigerian forward to be reintegrated at some point, Conte replied, “No player will be reintegrated. “Those who are out of the project will remain out of the project. We made our choices and worked in one direction all together.”
He expressed some sympathy for him earlier when speaking after Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Parma – a position that some will hope does not smell of crocodile’s tears.
“I’m happy with the work the club did on the market,” Conte said, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. “If there had been the sale of Victor Osimhen, we would have completed the situation… but I’m happy.”
What is important for Conte is that he has a new bride in Lukaku, who, interestingly, gave him a goal in his inaugural game against Parma, which Napoli won 2-1.
He enthused about the replacement: “What can I say about Romelu. He is a unique centre-forward. Usually the big strikers are a bit slow, or you have to use them as a target in the penalty area, or they don’t have the best legs to exploit the space on the pitch.
“I have always described Lukaku as an American Football Player. He’s 1.90m tall, but very fast. He is a powerful player, we need someone who can hold it up, bring other players in, find combinations, while also being a player who can attack spaces and cause damage.
“That’s why I consider him to be unique. Having already said that he’s a good guy, I would put my hand on an open flame for him, and he knows the responsibility that has for me, for Napoli and for the fans.”
Now, for Osimhen, his fans would say, it is only a temporary setback.
Some mistakes may have been made. Some miscalculations may have occurred. Even some conspiracy may have been unleashed.
He is today a clubless star within a club.
But the clouds will soon evaporate.
The lull will be a thing of the past.
The star will still regain the sky’s Number 9 shine:
The sun is destined for the ultimate heights.
