Matteo Politano admitted Napoli suffered while Victor Osimhen was away with Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen spent over a month with the Super Eagles and Napoli struggled to win matches, leading to eventual dismissal of manager Walter Mazzarri.

It is perhaps harsh that Walter Mazzarri was sacked the moment Osimhen returned, as he barely had the striker at his disposal during that tenure.

With Osimhen now available for selection, Napoli have avoided defeat in their last three matches under interim boss Francesco Calzona.

The Nigerian striker netted five times in three games, including hat-trick against Sassuolo to regnite Napoli’s Champions League hope.

“Victor is great player, obviously it is all easier when you’ve got an Osi like this,” Politano told reporters after Sassuolo game.

Napoli will be banking on the forward to deliver the goals against Barcelona in the Champions League next week.