Nigerian and Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen has criticized former Super Eagles manager Finidi George and those questioning his dedication to the national team.
Finidi, who recently resigned as head coach, stated he wouldn’t beg Osimhen to play after the striker withdrew from their last two World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
It was gathered that Osimhen was ruled out for four weeks and replaced by defender Kenneth Igboke for games against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Following poor performances in these matches, an online report claimed Finidi cited Osimhen’s absence as indicative of player attitude issues during a meeting with the Sports Minister.
In a live Instagram video, Osimhen angrily responded, saying he had informed Finidi about his injury while in Germany and even wanted to stay with the team in camp, but Finidi told him to stay with his family.
He criticized the blame placed on him after the team’s poor performances and expressed disappointment in Finidi, asserting that he’s always been committed to both his club and country.
He said, “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.
“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 asked Finidi George to allow me stay with the players in the camp, but Finidi asked me not to bother that I should stay 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. Now after two bad games, everybody is now blaming me.
“I know how many injuries I’ve played with for Nigeria and I played my heart out but after two bad games, everybody is attacking me.”
Watch the video below:
https://twitter.com/Mudiaga247/status/1801947520475570265
https://twitter.com/instablog9ja/status/1801946617660006726
https://twitter.com/PoojaMedia/status/1801946514253586596
KanyiDaily recalls that Finidi George’s tenure included a 1-1 draw with South Africa and a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic, leaving the Super Eagles with just three points from four games.