Osimhen thanks Napoli fans 

Super Eagles superstar Victor Osimhen thanks Napoli fans for their ‘creative ways of showing love for me’ – including a mascot, a dog and a cake – after a thumping 4-0 victory over Torino.

It has been a remarkable week for the Partenopei, who pushed past Eintracht Frankfurt to book their Champions League quarter-final against Milan and currently sit 21 points clear at the top of the Serie A table after a 4-0 win away to Torino.

The Nigerian is making towering headers his trademark and netted two of them this afternoon, along with a Kvicha Kvaratskhelia penalty and Tanguy Ndombele’s debut Serie A goal.

“It feels great. The support has been overwhelming. It’s good to have our fans here, there are so many here and we are surprised to see them,” Osimhen told DAZN after 10,000 Napoli fans flocked to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, almost out-numbering the home crowd.

“It is good to have this win, I want to congratulate the team and we must keep going like this.”

The crowd was singing ‘we’ll win the tricolor’ at the final whistle, and their lead at the top remains a minimum of 18 points, but could rise to 21 depending on this evening’s results.

“Of course, they are really hoping, it’s been so many years, they believe and nobody deserves this more than the Napoli fans. And we are happy that we are on the right track to deliver them this prestigious prize and hopefully something more.”

Osimhen’s trademark protective mask has become an inspiration for Napoli supporters, as well as his bleached hair, and today even one of the mascots who led out the team was doing his best to emulate the striker.

“I saw the kid with my hair colour, then he put on the mask and I was surprised! I wanted to take a picture of him, but we had to start the game. I hope I can give him my shirt afterwards.”

The last few weeks have seen everything from cakes made in Osimhen’s image to dogs dressed up as the centre-forward, which he published on his Instagram account.

“I think everyone has been creative with the way they tried to show their support and love for me. The latest one that really blew my mind with a dog wearing a mask and I think he had pasta on his head!

“The Nigerian fans are supportive too, I am really happy to put a smile on their faces and I want to keep this momentum going.”