Record-maker Osimhen speaks on Napoli fans chanting his name after Udinese double

The Nigerian international was the match-winner yet again for the Neapolitans as they shot down the little Zebras

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has sent his appreciation to the club’s fans after the Diego Maradona Stadium was chanting the Super Eagles star’s name during the Italian Serie A clash with Udinese.

Luciano Spalletti’s men went into the break on the back foot after Deulofeu gave the visitors a first half lead. But Osimhen powered home a header to equalise in the 52nd minute before completing the comeback with the winner 11 minutes later.

The Nigerian forward’s excellent performance moved the Napoli fans to start singing his name, and he has acknowledged their support during a win that fuels the club’s title ambitions.

“A very important victory for us,” Osimhen told the media after the game. “There was an incredible atmosphere in the second half which helped us. I thank the fans for their support.”

It is the second consecutive league game in which Osimhen will score an identical brace – first a header, then a clinical foot finish – after helping Napoli go past Verona last week.

For a striker who wears a mask due to a head injury sustained earlier in the campaign, Osimhen appears to hold no fear in heading the ball.

When asked if he feels comfortable nodding the ball so often, the 23-year-old responded, “For the doctor it is advisable to use it (mask) and therefore I will continue to use it even if I do not take it to training.”

The victory over Udinese lifts Napoli to joint top on the league table, albeit Il Partenopei have played a game more.

Champions Inter Milan remain the favourites to retain the title they won last term but Osimhen is convinced that Napoli will fight the two Milan-based club to the end.

He said, “Scudetto? We must continue to believe. There are still 8 games from now to the end. Let’s continue like this, we still believe in it.”

With his 10th and 11th goal of the campaign, Osimhen becomes the first Nigerian and the fourth African to hit double figures in different seasons in the Italian elite division.