In Europe, Napoli has lacked an iconic superstar leading the line since Diego Maradona’s reign over three decades ago. Similarly, Nigeria has never truly boasted a superstar striker, with the likes of Yakubu, Obafemi Martins, and Peter Odemwingie shouldering the responsibility of being the Super Eagles’ main man over the years. However, both Napoli and Nigeria now have a striker worth boasting about.
Prior to the commencement of the 2022/23 season, Napoli wasn’t considered one of the favorites for the Scudetto according to various football betting sites. AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus were favored instead. Nevertheless, under Osimhen’s leadership, the Azzurri have surged to claim their first Serie A title in 33 years. Throughout their triumphant journey, Osimhen has shattered numerous records, solidifying his position as a formidable presence.
Record Breaking Osimhen
Napoli has had a sensational start to the ongoing Serie A campaign. The Ciucciarelli have raced ahead, remaining unbeaten in their first 17 games and emerging victorious in 15 of them, establishing a commanding 13-point lead at the pinnacle of the Italian top flight. Within these remarkable 17 games, their soaring super eagle, Osimhen, achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo. During Napoli’s resounding 3-0 victory over Spezia, Osimhen leaped an astonishing 2.58m into the air to score his second goal of the game, eclipsing CR7’s celebrated record from his brilliant header against Sampdoria, which had garnered global attention.
But that wasn’t the only record the former Lille man broke this season. The 24-year-old scored the goal that took the elusive Scudetto back to the city of Naples for the first time in over three decades in the recent 1-1 draw away at Udinese. In doing so, he broke Samuel Eto’o’s 12-year-old record for the most goals scored by an African in Serie A during one season. The previous record stood at 21; Osimhen currently has 23 and counting so far this term. And that isn’t including his five UEFA Champions League goals which took his club to the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time in their history.
What’s Next For the Hottest Property in European Football?
Osimhen’s recent exploits have resulted in a mighty €100 million valuation by the highly reputable website TransferMarkt. Despite the substantial price tag, the Nigerian superstar has no shortage of potential suitors. French champions Paris Saint-Germain, along with English powerhouses Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea, are all reportedly in pursuit of his signature. Napoli will face an arduous battle in the upcoming summer if they wish to retain their star man at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Even if the Ciucciarelli remain steadfast in their ambition to keep their prized asset, their prolific 23-goal striker may envision his future elsewhere. Despite his popularity in Naples, Osimhen’s next objective will be UEFA Champions League glory, which his current club has yet to provide. Napoli had an exceptional opportunity to lift the coveted “Big Eared” trophy this season. With only fellow compatriots AC Milan and Inter Milan standing between them and a spot in the Istanbul showpiece, they faltered at the first hurdle, suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat to the Rossoneri in the quarter-finals. Depending on Osimhen’s aspirations, this outcome could be sufficient to lure him away from the Maradona, regardless of his adoration in southern Italy.
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