Why Osimhen didn't push for a hat-trick

Victor Osimhen is the Serie A top scorer with 21 goals.

UCL Why Osimhen didn't push for a hat-trick

Izuchukwu Akawor 10:21 - 16.03.2023

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen settled for a brace rather than going for his first Champions League hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt on a historic night for Napoli.

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has revealed why he passed up the chance to add to his Champions League goal tally against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Osimhen scored an excellent brace as SSC Napoli defeated the Bundesliga side to seal a historic 3-0 win in their Champions League round of 16 second leg tie at the Diego Maradona.

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The in-form striker had a chance after the hour mark to make it a hat-trick on the night but chose to pass it on to teammate, Piotr Zielinski, who went on to wrap up the night from the spot.

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Osimhen explains penalty situation

Super Eagles forward, Osimhen's inspirational display played another key role to fire Napoli to a historic first-ever appearance in the Champions League quarter-final.

Victor Osimhen led Napoli into the quarter-finals of the Champions League
Victor Osimhen has scored four goals in the Champions League this season.

Osimhen proved to be the ultimate team player when he let Zielinski take a penalty in the 64th minute rather than going for glory.

After the game, the 24-year-old explained that he is a team player and allowed his teammate to take it because the team's success is the most important thing.

“On the penalty, Zielinski asked if he could take it and I said of course," Osimhen said according to Football Italia.

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"I am a team player, it doesn’t matter who scores, as long as the team achieves success. That is the most important thing. It’s good to have this mentality from the squad and I am happy with this win.”

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On huge win

Osimhen's double against Frankfurt took his tally to four goals in four starts for Napoli in the Champions League this season.

Speaking further on the win and his performance, the Super Eagles star describes the moment as amazing and huge.

Napoli vs Frankfurt: Osimhen helps Serie A leaders make history.
Victor Osimhen wants to see Napoli continue their current form.

“It feels good, it feels amazing, it is a huge win," he added. "Congratulations to the team for the performance from the whole squad. We want to keep going like this into the next round and we are ready for it.”

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