The video was said to have appeared to mock the Nigeria international, with the forward threatening to take legal action late Tuesday.
However, Osimhen brushed off the scrutiny to end his four-game goal drought with a smart finish in the 39th minute in Naples to fire the hosts up to seventh in the table.
After the penalty kick drama of Sunday, it took Napoli only a quarter of an hour to be awarded another penalty kick when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled inside the area.
Video assistant review (VAR) was called, and eventually, the penalty was awarded, but instead of Osimhen, Piotr Zielinski took responsibility. He rolled the ball into the bottom corner after 19 minutes to make it 1-0 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Garcia’s out-of-form side were firmly in the ascendancy now, with Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen and Mario Rui forcing saves from Marco Silvestri in the Udinese goal.
Silvestri had no answer to Osimhen in the 39th minute when Matteo Politano slipped through last season’s leading marksman, who drilled into the net for his fourth goal this season.
Osimhen was initially reluctant to celebrate.
But after some anxious glances towards the assistant referee, no offside flag was raised, and he embraced his teammates while feeling the support of a raucous home crowd.
Further applause followed in the 63rd minute when Osimhen was replaced by Giovanni Simeone, who would find the net but not before Kvaratskhelia.
Napoli release official statement in response to Victor Osimhen case 🔵🇳🇬
“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.
“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad”.
“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision”.
“In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended”.
Victor Osimhen decides to release personal statement about Napoli case 🔵
“Coming to the City of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me. The People of Napoli have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us”.
“The passion of the People of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride”.
“The accusations against People of Naples are untrue. I have a lot of friends that are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for leading their voices to support and reach out to me”.
“I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect and understanding”.
“FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE”, Osimhen added.
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