Victor Osimhen celebrates
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen Thursday singlehandedly gave Napoli their third Serie A title, and their first in 33 years, after a 1-1 draw at Udinese. Osimhen scored the equalizer after Udenese featuring no fewer than three Nigerians snatched the lead in the 13th minute.
Napoli needed just a draw to win the Scudetto with five matches to spare and that draw came in the 53rd minute when Osimhen sparked jubilant celebrations among the visiting fans as he fired in the equaliser from a rebound. His goal earned Napoli 80 points to win the Serie A.
Soon after the match, the city of Naples went up in jubilant ecstasy with some Nigerians openly declaring that Osimhen has brought them honour and respect since he arrived at the club.
An excited Nigerian, who simply identified himself as Ese, said Osimhen is more important to Nigerians in Italy than Nigerian government officials.
Osimhen has been the club’s hitman this season and he was believed to have practically handed the Scudetto to Napoli, 33 years after Maradona achieved same feat with the club.
Pubs and runways were taken over by crowds with firecrackers lighting up the night all of the city. The happy crowd chanted ‘Victor Osimhen’ as they popped champagne and serenaded themselves on beer and booze.
Napoli’s triumph ended the city’s long wait for the Scudetto since Argentine great Diego Maradona led them to two championships in 1986/1987 and 1989/1990.
A second-half goal by Victor Osimhen secured Napoli the title with five games remaining in the season.
“I am overwhelmed right now. It’s an amazing feeling,” Osimhen told reporters.
“We’ve waited so many years for this moment, and to be able to deliver the Scudetto to the Neapolitans is something we will never forget.”
Napoli have 80 points, securing their position at the top of the table.
Second-placed Lazio, who also have five games left to play, are 16 points adrift of Napoli.
Visiting supporters at the capacity Stadio Friuli held aloft banners adorned with the image of the late Maradona, eagerly anticipating the long-coveted Scudetto.
Sandi Lovric dampened the spirits of Napoli fans when he scored the opening goal after 13 minutes, with a well-placed shot that found the top-right corner of goal.
After Udinese’s goal, Napoli stepped up their attack, and in the 53rd minute, Osimhen sparked jubilant celebrations among the visiting fans when he fired in the equaliser from a rebound.
Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri pulled off a save to block Piotr Zielinski’s half-volley, keeping the scoreline at 1-1 and prolonging the jitters of the Napoli fans.
As the final whistle blew, Napoli supporters rushed onto the pitch to celebrate the momentous occasion alongside the players.
“We were the underdogs at the start of the season. Not many believed in us and so many people wrote us off.
“We believed from the start of the season that we have this great squad that can deliver the Scudetto,” a triumphant Osimhen said.
