Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has criticized coach Finidi George, stating that he has lost respect for him over comments regarding his commitment to the national team.
Finidi, reportedly resigning as head coach of the Super Eagles on Saturday, was quoted saying he wouldn’t beg Osimhen to play for the national team after the player withdrew from their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
Osimhen, initially sidelined for four weeks due to injury and replaced by Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke, became a focal point following Nigeria’s disappointing performances against South Africa and Benin Republic. An online medium (not The PUNCH) reported that Finidi referenced Osimhen’s absence as indicative of players’ poor attitude towards the national team during a meeting with Sports Minister John Enoh in Abuja on Wednesday.
Infuriated by these comments, Osimhen addressed the issue in a live Instagram video on Saturday, explaining the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the Super Eagles’ qualifiers and asserting that Finidi had been fully briefed by him and his doctor.
“I anticipated something like this would happen, which is why I have videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany,” Osimhen said.
“I sustained the injury in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and underwent an MRI scan. I called Finidi while at the hospital for him to speak with the doctor as well.
“I requested to join the national team camp to be with the squad and spoke to some of my teammates, but he insisted I stay with my family.
“I’m not here to argue; everyone knows I give my all whenever I play for club or country. I will share the screenshots and videos of my conversation with Finidi for those who believe his side of the story.
“I have lost respect for that man because I always show respect before anything else,” the player added.
In Finidi’s debut as Super Eagles coach, Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Friday and suffered a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Abidjan, leaving the team with only three points after four qualifying games in Group C.
Reports indicate that the former Enyimba coach resigned from his position shortly after the Nigeria Football Federation announced their intention to appoint a foreign technical adviser.
