Victor Osimhen, the star striker for Napoli, has expressed his profound disappointment with Finidi George, the recently departed head coach of the Super Eagles.
Speaking during a live session on his Instagram account on Saturday, Osimhen stated that he has “lost the respect” he once had for the former coach.
Osimhen’s remarks come in response to reports alleging that Finidi George suggested the striker feigned an injury to avoid participating in recent Super Eagles matches.
These claims purportedly emerged during a meeting with John Enoh, the minister of sports development, and high-ranking officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Osimhen was initially included in the squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic but withdrew due to injury.
He was subsequently replaced by Kenneth Igboke, the left-back for Enugu Rangers.
In his live session, Osimhen asserted that he “will not address anything, and I will let anyone believe whatever they want,” but he emphasized that he “will not allow disrespect from anybody.”
He explained that he had communicated with Finidi George following an MRI scan of his injury, expressing a desire to stay with the team in camp despite his condition.
However, Finidi reportedly advised him to remain with his family instead.
“I did the MRI scan, and the next day, I was called by the doctor to his office. Immediately, I called Finidi and I told one of my guys to do the video of my conversation with Finidi. I will not address anything, and I will let anyone believe whatever they want. Everybody knows that whether I am playing for Eagles or Napoli, I play with my heart out,” Osimhen said.
“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 or whatever. 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.”