Victor Osimhen's social media rant against former Nigerian international Finidi George has generated extensive attention in the Nigerian football community, according to Soccernet.ng.
Osimhen faced accusations of faking an injury ahead of the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. Allegedly, Finidi remarked that he would not request a player to join the team. In response, Osimhen took to Instagram Live, where he not only addressed the situation but also made derogatory remarks about Finidi.
This isn't the first instance of Osimhen lashing out publicly on social media. Such behavior has occurred multiple times, often involving his managers. This pattern might cause potential suitors to reconsider pursuing the striker, despite his talent attracting interest from elite European teams.
Osimhen has been linked with a €120 million departure from Napoli, even after signing a contract extension with the club. He reportedly turned down a return to Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain expressed interest, and Chelsea is contemplating a possible deal, given his injury history. This recent outburst complicates his future transfer prospects.
Osimhen previously had a heated argument with Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, and his current conflict with Finidi underscores his tendency to publicly criticize his managers. Victor Ikpeba, a former African Footballer of the Year, chastised Osimhen for attempting bicycle kicks during Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against Ghana. Osimhen responded on Twitter with Yoruba proverbs, referring to Ikpeba as an "Agbaya." He also notably blasted a Nigerian journalist for a report from an Italian media organization.
Osimhen's recent comments about Finidi, in which he declared he had lost respect for him and wouldn't mind quitting the Super Eagles, align with this pattern. His outburst has elicited varied reactions on social media, with many demanding a public apology to Finidi, who denied making the alleged statement.
Critics argue that Osimhen should have addressed the situation privately with Finidi before going public. Engaging with Nigerian media for an interview could have provided a more professional platform for him to convey his side of the story, similar to how Cristiano Ronaldo explained his difficult exit from Manchester United.
Osimhen's dedication to the Super Eagles and his on-field abilities, which earned him accolades such as 8th Best Player in the World for the 2023 season and CAF Best Player of the Year, are undeniable. However, he is encouraged to manage his anger and public outbursts to avoid jeopardizing his promising career, especially given his young age of 25.