- Victor Osimhen criticized ex-Nigeria coach Finidi George for allegedly claiming Osimhen avoided national games due to minor injuries
- Osimhen defended his injury, emphasizing his commitment and vowing to share proof of his honest communication with Finidi
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has publicly criticized former Nigeria head coach Finidi George following Finidi’s resignation. The tension between the two emerged after Finidi reportedly accused Osimhen of avoiding national team games due to minor injuries.
Finidi allegedly made these claims during a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, and officials from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Osimhen, who scored 15 goals for Napoli in Serie A this season, defended himself, asserting that he had sustained a legitimate ankle injury against Lecce on May 25.
During a live Instagram session on Saturday, the 25-year-old striker recounted his story. He claimed he had informed Finidi of his injury but expressed a desire to stay with the team in camp despite it. Osimhen stated:
“I did the MRI scan, and the doctor called me the next day to his office. Immediately, I called Finidi and told one of my guys to video my conversation with Finidi. I will not address anything and let anyone believe whatever they want. Everybody knows that whether I am playing for Eagles or Napoli, I play with my heart out.
“But I will not allow disrespect from anybody. I will not allow that nonsense. I will not allow rubbish on my name. I do not care if what Finidi said is false. I will post the video and screenshots of my conversation with Finidi. I have lost the respect I have for that man.
“I asked Finidi George to allow me to stay with the players in the camp, but Finidi asked me not to bother and that I should stay with my family.”
Finidi’s tenure as the Super Eagles’ head coach was challenging. In his debut match, the team drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They subsequently suffered a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Abidjan, leaving the Super Eagles with just three points after four games in the Group C qualifying series.