Napoli captain, Giovanni De Lorenzo stands firmly behind Victor Osimhen’s choice to attend the 2023 CAF awards.

Osimhen’s decision to forgo the team’s final training session ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League game against Braga to accept his African Footballer of the Year award stirred controversy in the Italian media.

Despite the uproar, the 24-year-old Nigerian returned to Naples after the prestigious ceremony and, to the relief of Napoli fans, he was included in the starting line-up for the at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Osimhen’s impact on the game was immediate and significant, as he went on to score Napoli’s second goal of the night, cementing his contribution to the team’s victory.

“Traveling doesn’t lead to tiredness, it was an important prize and it was right that he went to collect it,” Di Lorenzo said per Napoli Magazine.

“I’m interested in what he gives on the pitch and in training, no one has ever questioned his commitment and attitude, just look at it. I’m happy that he’s back to scoring, it’s important for him.”