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.
07:33 - 04.05.2024
Milan's coach Pioli set to abandon Chukwueze for Osimhen and Napoli
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is reportedly now favourite to be named Napoli next coach.
22:19 - 25.04.2024
Naija Stars Abroad Maduka's heroics in vain as resurgent Roma revive European quest
Okoye Maduka and Udinese suffered a painful defeat in a rescheduled clash against AS Roma in the Serie.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related content
08:23 - 04.05.2024
British-born Nigerian who wants to play for Super Eagles returns with a bang
The Anglo-Nigerian Hatter was in action for Luton Town in the draw against Everton on Friday night football.
11:33 - 03.05.2024
Arsenal risk losing Nigerian-Danish prodigy Chido Obi-Martin to European giants
Gunners youngster Chido Obi-Martin has emerged as a target for European clubs amidst his fine form for Arsenal's youth teams
10:49 - 03.05.2024
New Super Eagles manager Finidi George shares secret to long and fulfilling career
Former Nigeria international and recently appointed Super Eagles manager has revealed how he managed to stay injury-free for most of his career
13:26 - 01.05.2024
Interview Mali's Traore dissects shock win over Finidi's Super Eagles in revealing interview
Mali's Hamari Traore praised his team's tactical approach and possession-focused game plan that led to their 2-0 friendly victory over Nigeria.
10:47 - 01.05.2024
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau breaks silence on Finidi's Super Eagles job
The NFF President says it was not an easy decision to make Finidi George Super Eagles new manager.
10:04 - 01.05.2024
Musiala's Nigerian Food Confession: Bayern star declares love for fufu
Jamal Musiala may represent Germany at the international level, but his loving reference to Fufu highlights a deep respect for his Nigerian roots.
09:18 - 01.05.2024
Bayern Munich wonderkid Musiala refuses to pick between Nigeria and Germany
Jamal Musiala was made to drink alcohol during the fun session while talking about Nigeria and Germany.
17:40 - 30.04.2024
I want to create opportunity — Troost Ekong provides details on his foundation
AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament is launching a foundation. In a recent interview, he divulged details on his vision.
19:35 - 29.04.2024
3 Premier League Clubs That Must Consider Signing Super Eagles Hopeful Tosin Adarabioyo This Summer
Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham at the end of the season and has been the toast of Premier League teams
18:35 - 29.04.2024
3 reasons why NFF chose Finidi George over Amuneke, others
A new era in Super Eagles history is set to commence with Finidi Goerge taking over the reins of the Nigerian national team on a permanent basis
18:34 - 29.04.2024
5 Things to Know About New Nigeria Super Eagles Coach Finidi George
The NFF has announced Finidi George as the man to replace Jose Peseiro as the new Super Eagles coach.