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Napoli’s Osimhen Expresses Loss of Respect for Coach Finidi Amid National Team Controversy
Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen has publicly criticised coach Finidi George, expressing his disappointment and loss of respect for him following comments made about his commitment to the Nigerian national team amid injury-related absences.
The controversy arose after reports emerged that Finidi, who is said to have resigned as head coach of the Super Eagles, commented on Osimhen’s absence from recent World Cup qualifiers.
Osimhen missed these matches due to a four-week injury, leading to his replacement by Kenneth Igboke from Enugu Rangers.
In response to the team’s lackluster performances against South Africa and Benin Republic, alleged remarks by Finidi suggested that Osimhen’s absence reflected poorly on the team’s dedication.
These comments reportedly occurred during discussions with Sports Minister John Enoh in Abuja.
Frustrated by these statements, Osimhen took to Instagram Live to set the record straight regarding his injury-related withdrawals.
He noted that both he and his doctor had adequately briefed Finidi prior to the matches.
“I anticipated that such things might happen, which is why I have videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany,” Osimhen clarified during the live session.
Detailing the timeline, Osimhen explained, “I sustained the injury in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and immediately went for an MRI scan.
“I called Finidi from there so that he could also listen to the doctor’s assessment.”
He continued, “I reached out to him (Finidi) and requested to join the camp to support my teammates. I also spoke with some of my teammates, but he insisted that I should be with my family.”
Addressing his commitment to both club and country, Osimhen stated unequivocally, “I always give my best whenever I play for my club or the national team.
“For those who doubt this, I will share the screenshots and videos of my conversation with Finidi.”
Expressing his disillusionment, Osimhen concluded, “I have lost respect for that man because my principle has always been to respect everyone before anything else.”
In Finidi George’s debut as head coach, the Nigerian national team encountered a challenging 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Their difficulties continued with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in Abidjan, further jeopardising their standing in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, where they now hold just three points from four games.
These setbacks coincided with reports of Finidi’s resignation from the national team, coming shortly after the Nigerian Football Federation’s announcement of plans to bring in a foreign technical adviser.
