Former Nigeria striker Brown Ideye has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Victor Osimhen's online tirade directed at coach Finidi George.
Ideye, a veteran of the national team himself, took a strong stance against Osimhen's actions, urging the Napoli forward to publicly apologize to Finidi, a legendary figure in Nigerian football.
Ideye's comments came during a discussion hosted by The Naija Football Conference on the social audio platform X Space. He outlined a more measured approach for players dealing with criticism from coaches, suggesting direct communication rather than resorting to social media outbursts.
Ideye gives a professional insight
“Coming to what happened between coach Finidi and Victor, a lot of people asked me the best way to go when a coach calls you out,” Ideye began.
He then laid out a hypothetical scenario involving a lawyer, a written statement, and communication with the NFF president and coach – a far cry from Osimhen's public display of frustration.
“What Victor did is wrong,” he asserted. “A lot of people can say he had to defend himself. What are you defending, who are you trying to explain to that you have an injury?
“You don't need to explain to people that you have an injury that's why you're not in camp. Call the coach to see if he really said what he said before going out there to your social media platforms.”
Ideye reaches out to Victor Osimhen
Ideye revealed that he had personally reached out to Osimhen after the Instagram Live incident. His message was clear – an apology was necessary.
“I told him I'm disappointed in you but what you have to do is to go back to that social media and apologize to Nigerians and Finidi because no matter how we want to say it he's a legend.
“He cleared the road for you like we normally say in Nigeria so you don't disrespect people like that.”
Ideye's message transcended respect for a legend; it was a call for professionalism and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria on the international stage. “I don't care who you are, I don't care how many awards you have won, I don't care what you have done in your club,” he declared.
“Africa's best player don't behave the way you behave. I spoke to him you don't behave like that. You have 2.7 million people watching you on your (Instagram) Live and you are ranting, talking down on a legend.”
Ideye concluded with a firm belief that Osimhen needs to make amends. “It's not like that, I'm waiting for Victor to apologize, he has to apologize. He just has to do it.”
