Victor Osimhen, one of Nigeria’s most promising football talents, has recently sparked controversy following a public outburst directed at Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, popularly known and referred to as ‘Finito’ during his playing days. Osimhen’s actions have ignited a debate about respect and professionalism, raising serious questions about his understanding of these fundamental values.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Finidi’s resignation from his position as chief coach of the Super Eagles was a significant moment in Nigerian football. Finidi, a legend in his own right, decided to step down amidst controversies about his capabilities to lead the Super Eagles, after only winning one of four matches, demonstrating a rare willingness to prioritize the team’s interests. His resignation was a commendable act in a country where stepping down from such positions is uncommon.
However, the issue that truly deserves scrutiny is the behavior of Victor Osimhen, the Napoli FC and Super Eagles forward. In a widely circulated Instagram video, Osimhen’s arrogance and disrespect towards Finidi were fully displayed. It is astonishing that a player who has yet to achieve even a fraction of Finidi’s accomplishments would publicly denigrate such a respected figure in Nigerian football.
Finidi George’s career is a testament to his dedication and talent. He was a key player in the Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and represented Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. At the club level, Finidi had a successful career in Europe, particularly with Ajax Amsterdam, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1995. His contributions to football are well-documented and revered. As a coach, he recently led Enyimba FC to victory in the 2023/24 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League, which led to his appointment as one of Coach Jose Peseiro’s assistants, and subsequently his appointment as the substantive coach.
In stark contrast, Osimhen’s career, while promising, does not yet measure up to Finidi’s legacy, despite winning the African Footballer of the Year award in 2023 and leading Napoli FC to their first league trophy in over three decades. His disrespectful rant clearly indicates that success might be coming to his head. Can he behave similarly at his club and not face severe repercussions like being benched or transferred? The answer is obvious.
But who is Osimhen to address Finidi in such a manner? Even if Osimhen felt aggrieved, his public outburst was uncalled for. He claimed, “I called Finidi! I called Finidi!” That was disrespectful. We are Nigerians, and we are a cultured people. Perhaps he earns more due to the era he plays in, but financial success does not equate to respect or legacy. Osimhen has not reached a level where he should be begged to play for Nigeria. There are many talented players eager for the opportunities he is currently squandering.
Lest we have forgotten, Osimhen called another Nigerian legend, Victor Ikpeba, ‘Agbaya’ back in 2022, because the former Super Eagles player, popularly known as ‘Monaco Prince’, criticised his below-par performance during the World Cup play-off against Ghana. The question is, who is then going to be his next victim?
Osimhen is much loved, but he must be careful not to take the love and support of Nigerians for granted. The nation has shown him immense affection, and he must reciprocate with commitment and respect. Instead of joining the camp, he chose to stay away, calling Finidi and posting videos that could easily be fabricated excuses. He could have shown his patriotism by reporting to camp despite his injury and submitting to the Super Eagles’ medical examination. This simple act of humility could have helped avoid this unnecessary tension.
It is well-known that clubs often prefer their players to avoid national duty to prevent injuries. Osimhen’s video might have been an alibi, crafted to align with his club’s interests. Truly patriotic players have been known to play through injuries for their national teams. The issue is not his absence due to injury but the blatant disrespect he showed towards his national team coach.
Osimhen’s actions were not just unprofessional; they were a display of sheer stupidity and disrespect. And a bad example to younger players. Until he sincerely apologises to Finidi George, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and Nigerians, he should not be allowed back into the Super Eagles squad. Respect for one’s coaches and teammates is fundamental, and Osimhen must learn this crucial lesson if he hopes to achieve true greatness in his career.
