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Napoli ace Victor Osimhen has lambasted Finidi George for his criticism of the in-form striker. He also claimed that he's 'lost respect' for the Nigeria head coach.
The Super Eagles recently announced that Osimhen had suffered an injury and had to pull out of the national team's camp as a result. Nigeria, meanwhile, suffered a loss to Benin (2-1) in a recent FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier (June 10).
Several local media outlets have since claimed that coach Finidi George believed Osimhen could have made himself available to play. The superstar striker hit back at his coach via an Instagram live video.
A visibly agitated Osimhen said (via Sporting News):
"Everyone knows that I play my heart out whether it is for [for my] club or national team. I won't allow anybody to disrespect me. I won't allow that nonsense. I won't allow anyone to stain my name. I don't care if what Finidi said is true or false. But I'll share the video, picture, and screenshot of my conversation with Finidi on my Instagram story because some of you believe I would allow disrespect because I play football."
Victor Osimhen added:
"I've lost respect for that man now. I spoke with him [Finidi] requesting that I join the Super Eagles camp to be with my teammates. But he told me not to bother and that I should stay with my family - I have video of the conversation."
Victor Osimhen, one of the most sought-after strikers in world football at the moment, is a key player for Nigeria. He has scored 21 goals and provided 11 assists in 35 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Osimhen didn't play as Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa (June 8) and lost to Benin. Finidi George, surprisingly, didn't start in-form Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface in either of the games.
Finidi George has resigned after Victor Osimhen's rant: reports
Nigeria have been struggling for form recently and haven't won in either of their last three matches. They are fifth in Group C of the African qualifiers with three points from four matches.
To add to their woes, head coach Finidi George has reportedly resigned after Victor Osimhen's social media outburst. He told reporters (via Channels TV):
"Yes, it is true, I have resigned."
The Nigeria Football Federation are yet to issue a statement on the matter.
