Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has launched a fierce attack on former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, revealing a breakdown in communication that may have contributed to Finidi's resignation.
The Napoli forward took to Instagram Live to respond to a claim, attributed to Finidi George by an online publication, which appeared to question the player's commitment to the national team. These comments reportedly came after Osimhen missed Nigeria's recent World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
During the last international window, the Super Eagles managed a 1-1 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo but suffered a disappointing defeat against Benin in Abidjan three days later.
Osimhen fumes at Finidi after reported accusations
In a ten-minute tirade, Osimhen expressed fury towards Finidi, stating: “I will post the pictures also and the screenshots I had when I spoke to Finidi George [after he was appointed]. Because you all believe that someone keeping quiet because he is a footballer… [a curse upon] any of you that believe [I didn't want to play for Nigeria].
“You can talk nonsense. I have lost the respect I have for that man [Finidi], I have lost it all. I swear to God I have lost it now because why? I called him, told him to allow me come to the camp to be with the boys, I have all these recorded, to come talk to the boys.”
The 25-year-old's outburst exposes a fractured relationship that may have played a part in Finidi's departure. Without the Napoli man, the Super Eagles only managed four goals in four matches with the former Enyimba coach in charge.
Victor Osimhen's outburst raises questions for NFF
With the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) searching for Finidi's successor, Osimhen's damning remarks add a layer of controversy to an already complex situation. The NFF will undoubtedly be keen to address these issues and restore harmony within the national team setup.
Antonio Conceicao's name has made the rounds along the corridors of the Nigeria Football Federation in the past few days.
It is worthy to note that the 62-year-old Portuguese applied to coach the Super Eagles before Finidi George was ultimately chosen by the NFF.
