Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen became the fourth African to score a double-figure in two consecutive Serie A seasons after his brace helped Napoli to a vital 2-1 victory against Udinese at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Napoli continued their title challenge when they welcomed Udinese in Naples.
“A very important victory for us,” Osimhen told the media. “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.
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 train.”
it was Udinese that broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 22nd minute via Gerard Deulofeu, who struck a wicked finish past Ospina.
Napoli entered the second half like a house on fire. And just seven minutes after the restart, Osimhen came in handy for Luciano Spalletti’s team. The Nigerian talisman climbed high to head in a cross from Mario Rui into the net to restore parity.
Eleven minutes later, Osimhen scored his eleventh Serie A goal of the season after latching on to a pass from Giovanni Di Lorenzo to make it 2-1 for Napoli. Osimhen’s two goals put him among African greats including Samuel Etoo, Mohamed Salah, and George Weah, who have scored 10+ goals in two consecutive Serie A seasons.
Napoli are now second, level on points with AC Milan, but have played a game more.