Osimhen scores in extra time and refuses to celebrate, reasons revealed

Osimhen scores in extra time and refuses to celebrate, reasons revealed

أوسيمين يسجل في الوقت الإضافي ويرفض الاحتفال، وأسباب قراره تنكشف

Victor Osimhen did not celebrate his goal in extra time against Juventus. Yet that strike sent his team on the path to qualification. The Nigerian striker explained his decision after the match, citing respect for Luciano Spalletti and his clear-eyed assessment of the team’s overall performance.

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Victor Osimhen remained stone-faced after netting a crucial goal in the 105th+1 minute against Juventus during extra time of the Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, February 25. The goal reignited his team’s hopes and opened the door to qualification. Although his teammates surrounded him, trying to sweep him up in the euphoria, Osimhen stayed silent—no run toward the stands, no triumphant roar. Just a steely gaze.

After the match, the Nigerian forward made his reasons crystal clear. “I don’t need to celebrate. I think it’s important to show respect to a man I admire who played a key role in my career: I’m obviously talking about Spalletti,” he said. With these words, Osimhen paid tribute to his former coach at SSC Napoli. Under Spalletti’s guidance, he took his game to the next level and captured the Scudetto in the 2022-2023 season. For Osimhen, respect comes before an explosion of joy.

Osimhen not satisfied with the team’s overall performance

But his silence was more than just a gesture of class. The striker also pointed to the team’s overall display. “We played very poorly, even with eleven against ten, so there was no reason to celebrate,” he stated. With clarity, he added: “Even when we had the chance to score the decisive goal, the one for 3-1, I didn’t feel the need to celebrate. I’m not that kind of player.” So, behind this crucial goal, Osimhen refused to hide the team’s collective shortcomings.