Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen on Saturday slammed head coach of the Super Eagles Finidi George, indicating he has lost respect for him following the latter’s reported remarks about the striker.
The coach said he would not beg the Napoli striker to play for the national team raising concerns about the player’s commitment following his withdrawal from the team’s latest call-up for their two 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Osimhen was ruled out for four weeks due to injury and replaced by Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke.
Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Abidjan compounded the Super Eagles fate in Group C of the qualifying series, leaving them with just three points after four games.
“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 during an Instagram LIVE.
“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.
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“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them,” the player added.
Watch video of Victor Osimhen below:
Victor Osimhen lambastes Finidi George for singling him out for criticism.
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) June 15, 2024
