Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, bagged a brace for his club Napoli in their 2-2 draw at Bologna a few hours after the outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari, announced the conferment of the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) on him.
The national honour was bestowed on the 24-year-old by Buhari on Sunday afternoon.
The presidential recognition comes as appreciation for Osimhen’s contributions to the country’s football since bursting into the international scene during his U17 days.
Prior to the conferment of the national honour, Osimhen helped Napoli win the Serie A title.
He was an integral part of the Golden Eaglets that won the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile. There, he finished as the highest goalscorer, winning the Golden Boot along with the Silver Ball for his awe-inspiring performances.
He reacted to the good news in a positive way after scoring Napoli’s two goals in the stalemate at Bologna.
The Serie A Champions started in outstanding fashion with Osimhen scoring the opener in the 14th minute.
He capitalized on a mistake from Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski and sent the ball home to put his in front.
The first half was very eventful, with chances flying at both ends, but Napoli took their lead into the break.
Napoli struck nine minutes into the second half, and it was Osimhen at it again. The former Lille man got a nice pass from Bartosz Bereszynski in the box and sent a wicked shot into the back of the net.
Unfortunately for Napoli, they could not hold on, as goals from Lewis Ferguson and Lorenzo De Silvestri in the 63rd and 84th minute ensured that the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Osimhen’s brace took his tally to 30 for the season. He now has 25 goals in Serie A, four goals ahead of Lautaro Martinez on the league’s goalscorers’ charts.
