Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has publicly criticised Super Eagles coach Finidi George, stating he has lost respect for him due to comments made about his commitment to the national team.
Finidi George had commented that he would not beg Osimhen to play for the national team after the striker withdrew from their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to a reported injury. Osimhen was ruled out for four weeks and replaced by Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke.
Following the Super Eagles’ underwhelming performances against South Africa and Benin, where they drew and lost respectively, Finidi reportedly blamed Osimhen’s absence for the team’s poor attitude towards the national team during a meeting with Nigeria Football Federation officials and Sports Minister John Enoh in Abuja.
Victor Osimhen, clearly angered by these remarks, took to Instagram Live on Saturday to share his side of the story. He explained the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the World Cup qualifiers, insisting that Finidi was fully informed by both him and his doctor.
“I knew things like these would happen and that’s why I have the videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany,” Osimhen said.
“I got injured in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and I went to the MRI scan. And I called Finidi there for him to listen to the doctor too.
“I called him (Finidi) and asked him to allow me to come to the camp to be with the boys and I spoke to some of my teammates too but he said I have to be with my family.
“I’m not addressing anything, everybody knows I play my heart out whenever I’m playing for the club or national team. I’ll share the screenshot and videos of my conversation with Finidi for the sake of those believing what Finidi said.
“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them,” the player added.
Victor Osimhen clearing the air on his IG live. pic.twitter.com/UjOEf8FfLc
— iDAN (@dangbanamanager) June 15, 2024
Fate of Nigeria hangs in the balance
The Super Eagles’ recent results have jeopardised their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, leaving them with just three points after four games.
The post ‘I’ve lost respect for him’- Osimhen slams Super Eagles coach first appeared on 3News.
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