Victor Osimhen holds off trademark celebration after towering header vs Nigerian brother Maduka [WATCH]
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Victor Osimhen (Photo Credit: Imago)

Victor Osimhen holds off trademark celebration after towering header vs Nigerian brother Maduka [WATCH]

Izuchukwu Akawor 07:16 - 09.05.2024

Victor Osimhen failed to deliver his trademark celebration after his latest goal for Napoli in the Serie A.

Victor Osimhen continued his sensational scoring form in Serie A but opted against his trademark celebration after netting a towering header against his Nigerian brother and Super Eagles teammate Maduka Okoye in Napoli's 1-1 draw with Udinese.

The league's official channel shared footage of the prolific Nigerian's 15th league strike of the campaign - a thumping effort that beat Okoye from a corner at the near post.

Osimhen and Nigerian Brother Respect

Despite the sheer quality of Osimhen's bullet header, the 25-year-old marksman decided to spare his international colleague's blushes by holding off on his usual exuberant celebrations.

Osimhen's restraint was a show of respect for Okoye, who was left helpless by the ferocious power and accuracy of the striker's effort in front of the watching world.

Victor Osimhen after his opener for Napoli failed to celebrate.
Victor Osimhen after his opener for Napoli failed to celebrate. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The mutual appreciation was evident as Okoye offered a sheepish grin and pat on the back for his compatriot after being decisively beaten.

“Why @victorosimhen9 no give us his ginger trademark celebration, Because say na @OkoyeMaduka?” famous photojournalist Oganla queried on X.

Maduka Okoye against compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Maduka Okoye against compatriot Victor Osimhen. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Osimhen's professionalism underlined his status as the consummate teammate, unwilling to rub salt into Okoye's wounds on this occasion despite their on-field rivalry.

Unfortunately for the Napoli talisman, his latest masterclass in front of goal wasn't enough to seal all three points at the Dacia Arena.

Isaac Success salutes the Udinese fans after his equalizer
Isaac Success salutes the Udinese fans after his equalizer (Photo Credit: Imago)

And that's because another Nigerian star,

Isaac Success, had the final say by coming off the bench to rescue a point for the hosts with a late equaliser.

Success' strike ensured it was a case of no victor np vanquish as the Nigerians in action couldn't be separated on a night where they traded blows in a typically hard-fought Serie A encounter.

Victor Osimhen towers home a header against Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in the Serie A.
Victor Osimhen towers home a header against Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in the Serie A.

While Osimhen will undoubtedly feel frustrated to have only walked away with a point, his 15 goals make him the league's third-highest scorer in a season to forget for him and Napoli.

The powerful frontman, who spearheaded Napoli's historic and unlikely Scudetto win last season, enhanced his reputation as one of world football's elite number nines once again.

Suppose he maintains this prolific vein of form, in that case, more celebrations are sure to follow - although Osimhen has shown he's more than happy to put friendships first when the occasion demands against Nigerian company.

WATCH The Osimhen Header & No Celebration

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