Former Super Eagles assistant coach Finidi George has shed light on the ongoing tension between him and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, stating that the Napoli star has yet to apologize for his public outburst on social media.
The rift between the two figures, which began after Osimhen reacted angrily to reports questioning his commitment to the national team, has yet to be resolved despite Finidi’s attempts to reconcile.
Finidi, who now manages Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Rivers United, revealed in a recent interview with Nigeria Info FM that he had personally reached out to Osimhen to mend fences, but the 25-year-old forward has not responded or issued an apology.
The issue stems from a viral social media incident where Osimhen lashed out at the coach after learning that his commitment was allegedly questioned following his absence in the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic due to injury.
According to reports, Finidi was said to have told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hierarchy that Osimhen could have featured in at least one of the matches despite his injury. This claim reportedly infuriated Osimhen, leading him to take to Instagram Live, where he criticized Finidi in a disrespectful manner.
In the aftermath of the incident, there were widespread calls for Osimhen to issue a public apology, especially after reports surfaced that the NFF had considered suspending him from the national team. However, those plans were reportedly halted by Nigeria’s sports minister, Senator John Enoh. Despite this, Finidi disclosed that he has not received any form of apology from the player, who recently scored in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in an AFCON qualifier.
“I sent him a message that it was not the best way,” Finidi said during the interview. “Just someone telling you that coach said that, and you’re taking about me like I said it in an interview. From that point, I didn’t hear from him, I moved on, and I wish everybody well. Only God will judge.”
When asked whether Osimhen should face disciplinary action or a potential ban from the national team, Finidi replied, “I don’t know. He is there already. Let him be.”
The unresolved tension between the two prominent figures in Nigerian football has left fans divided. While some believe Osimhen should take responsibility for his actions and apologize, others argue that the striker’s passion and frustration stemmed from his love for the team and his disappointment with the situation.
Victor Osimhen, who has been a key figure for both Napoli and the Super Eagles, has continued to shine on the field despite the controversy. However, many feel that resolving the issue with Finidi is important for both his professional image and his relationship with the national team coaching staff.
For now, it seems the ball is in Osimhen’s court, and only time will tell if the striker will address the matter and extend an olive branch to his former coach.
