Osimhen claims double Serie A accolade in January

Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen has seen his reputation in the Italian Serie A further enhanced after he was awarded in two categories for the month of January 2023. The Nigerian striker was named as the league’s Player of the Month and also received the Goal of the Month award.

Osimhen was on a different level in January as he recorded five goals and an assist in five appearances for Napoli. He starred in wins over Juventus and AS Roma, both sides that may be considered as threats to his side’s quest for a first Scudetto since 1990. The lanky striker has helped his side open up a healthy 13-point gap atop the league standings this season just past the midway stage of the campaign.

Osimhen beat Atalanta forward and fellow Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, AS Roma star Paulo Dybala, and Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto to claim the Player of the Month accolade for January. The 24-year-old has been named as the league’s Player of the Month twice in the past, in September 2021 and March 2022.

There was also room for a second award for the striker as he won the league’s Goal of the Month award for his wonder goal against Roma. The striker scored a belter in the first half of the 2-1 win for the Partenopei, having also scored a belter in the reverse fixture at the Stadio Olimpico in a 1-0 win.

Receiving a cross from assist king Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he controlled the ball with his chest, demonstrating great composure to take the ball on his thigh before unleashing a rocket that threatened to leave a hole in the Roma net.

Putting the personal awards aside, the striker will be hopeful of emulating Diego Maradona by leading the club to a first league crown in 33 years. Victor Osimhen is valued very highly by club owner Aurelio Di Laurentiis, who in a recent interview revealed that the striker was not for sale.