Napoli SC forward, Victor Osimhen, has responded angrily to comments made by Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, suggesting that he faked an injury to miss the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, Owosports.com.ng reports.
“I knew things like this were going to happen. I am not dumb,” Osimhen said in an Instagram Live video. “After I did the MRI test, the next day the doctor called me and I went to his office. While the doctor was talking to me, I immediately called Finidi; he was on the phone. I asked one of my guys to make a video, which would be posted on my story after this life secession.”
Osimhen emphasized his commitment to playing for both club and country, stating, “I play my heart out anytime I am on the pitch be it for Club or Country, I don’t care whatever anyone says or does. I let everything go, but I won’t allow that disrespect to put a stain on my name.”
He continued, “I have kept quiet enough. A lot of people have been coming out with different agendas and expect me to keep quiet because I play football.”
Regarding Finidi George, Osimhen said, “The respect I have for that man, I have lost it now.” He explained that he had requested to join the team camp but was denied by Finidi, who advised him to spend time with his family instead. “I called him and told him to allow me to come to camp and stay with the boys, and I spoke with some of my teammates as well. But he told me no, that I need to be with my family and all that, and I said no problem.”
Now after two bad games, everybody is now blaming me.
“I know how many injuries I’ve played with for Nigeria and I played my heart out but after two bad games, everybody is attacking me.”
The public spat between Osimhen and Finidi George has added to the controversy surrounding the Super Eagles’ underwhelming performance in the World Cup qualifiers. As tensions simmer, Nigerian football fans anxiously await the outcome of this drama and its potential impact on the team’s chances in the upcoming qualifiers.
