Udinese vs Napoli: Super Eagles' Osimhen and Maduka set for head-to-head battle - Preview

Brothers at War as Maduka Okoye and Victor Osimhen face off in the Serie A. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Udinese vs Napoli: Super Eagles' Osimhen and Maduka set for head-to-head battle - Preview

Izuchukwu Akawor 09:32 - 04.05.2024

Nigeria Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye will clash to salvage what is left of their seasons in the Serie A on Monday night football.

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye will go head-to-head on Monday night as Napoli visit relegation-threatened Udinese in a crucial Serie A encounter.

While Napoli's terrible title defence has left them sitting a disappointing ninth, their hosts Udinese are in even more desperate straits – languishing 18th and facing a potential first relegation from the Italian top-flight since the 1990s.

The stakes could hardly be higher for both Super Eagles stars still striving to salvage something for their clubs following underwhelming campaigns as the season draws to an end.

Osimhen vs Okoye Showdown

At the heart of the clash will be the battle between two Nigerian internationals – red-hot striker Osimhen and Super Eagles under-fire goalkeeper Okoye.

Victor Osimhen has scored three goals in his last four matches for Napoli.
Victor Osimhen has scored three goals in his last four matches for Napoli.

Osimhen has hit a purple patch of three goals in his last four outings for Napoli, hitting form at just the right time as the Partenopei still harbour faint hopes of a late Europa Conference League push.

However, the 25-year-old will likely have to be at his lethal best to breach a Udinese defence marshalled by compatriot Okoye.

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Okoye in the Spotlight

While he has struggled for consistency this term, conceding in each of Udinese's last 10 games, Okoye will desperately need to produce a heroic performance to keep the dangerous Osimhen at bay.

The 23-year-old shot-stopper knows all too well the threat posed by his international teammate, with Osimhen bagging a goal when the sides met back in September – a 4-1 thrashing for Udinese.

Maduka Okoye and Udinese have conceded in each of the last 10 matches.
Maduka Okoye and Udinese have conceded in each of the last 10 matches. (Photo Credit: Imago)

With 14 wins from 16 previous meetings, the historical head-to-head record does not make encouraging reading for the home side either.

Final Push for Salvation

But Udinese have nothing to lose and will be going all out for a massive three points, while Napoli will surely have one eye on their crucial final three games against Bologna, Fiorentina and Leece after Monday's trip.

Brothers at War!

For Osimhen, maintaining his scoring touch could rekindle unlikely European qualification hopes, while Okoye is fighting an even bigger battle – trying to preserve Udinese's Serie A status.

An enthralling individual and team duel is in store as two Nigeria internationals put club allegiances aside and fight to salvage their respective seasons.

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