Finidi, who has since quit from the team, was reported to have questioned Osimhen’s dedication to the team after the Super Eagles’ dismal performance in the games—one draw and a loss—and that he won’t ask players to play for the national team.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In response to remarks purportedly made by former Super Eagles head coach George Finidi doubting Victor Osimhen’s commitment to his national team assignment, Osimhen has struck back.
Due to injury worries, the star player for Napoli was unable to play for Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. Finidi, who has since quit from the position, was reported to have questioned Osimhen’s dedication to the squad after the Super Eagles’ dismal performance in the games—one draw and a loss—and stated he won’t ask players to play for the team.
Osimhen, offended by the comment, responded to the former international in a live Instagram post on his account. He insisted that he had always given the Super Eagles his all and had told Finidi about his ailment before to the most recent round of play.
“Everyone is aware that I give it my all while playing for the national team or my club. I refuse to be disrespected by anyone. I’ll have none of that bullshit. My name is not going to be tarnished by anyone. Whether what Finidi claimed is true or not doesn’t matter to me. However, because some of you think that because I play football, I would tolerate disrespect, I will post the screenshot, image, and video of my chat with Finidi on my [Instagram] story.
“I no longer have respect for that man,” said the African football player of the year. “I asked to join the Super Eagles camp so I could be alongside my teammates, and I spoke with Finidi about it. I have a tape of our talk, but he advised me not to bother and to stay with my family.
Osimhen questioned why Nigeria’s dismal performance in the most recent games would be attributed to his absence, given that he claimed to have played with ailments several times for the Super Eagles.
The 25-year-old remarked, “After two bad games, everybody is blaming me,” maintaining that he has always given his all when playing for the Super Eagles.
Finalidi decides Fates
On June 10, 2024, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan, during the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifications group C football match between Benin and Nigeria, former Nigerian head coach Finidi George gestures on the touchline. (Image by AFP/Issouf SANOGO)
Osimhen’s remarks were made less than two months after Finidi’s resignation as the Super Eagles coach. He made them virtually simultaneously.
