The recent social media outburst by Victor Osimhen has sparked a wave of reactions from fans, with many expressing their disapproval of the Napoli striker’s comments directed towards Finidi George.
Finidi, who reportedly resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles last Saturday (pending official confirmation from the NFF), was quoted as saying he will not plead with Osimhen to represent the national team following the player’s withdrawal from the last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
Osimhen had been sidelined by a four-week injury and was replaced by Kenneth Igboke from Enugu Rangers.
However, amid the Super Eagles’ shaky performances against South Africa and Benin Republic, reports emerged that Finidi, during a meeting with Sports Minister John Enoh in Abuja, implicated Osimhen’s absence as a factor contributing to the team’s lackluster attitude.
In response to these comments, Osimhen took to Instagram Live on Saturday to express his frustration, stating that he had lost respect for Finidi and elaborated on the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the national team’s recent qualifiers, emphasizing that he had provided detailed explanations to both Finidi and his doctor.
One user, using the handle @zieecity, criticized Osimhen’s actions, saying, “As a professional footballer, releasing a live video filled with profanity and negativity is unacceptable. No player should overshadow the team.”
Another user, Kinq Kudos, disapproved of Osimhen’s approach, stating, “While I may not agree with Finidi’s coaching style, Osimhen could have addressed this matter more appropriately, perhaps in a podcast or interview.”
However, Ore Eva defended Osimhen, claiming, “In all the time Osimhen has been on the team, he has never openly criticized any coach. Finidi’s coaching methods must have been exceptionally poor.”
On the other hand, Iyke, using the username @drackfel, accused Osimhen of showing disrespect, commenting, “Osimhen seems to think he is above Finidi due to his wealth and status. Such behavior would not be tolerated if the coach were of a different ethnicity. Osimhen would not publicly criticize a Napoli manager in the same manner. It’s shameful.”
Uchenna, known as @RichDakvng, condemned Osimhen’s disrespectful behavior, saying, “Anyone who fails to recognize the disrespect in Osimhen’s words is being hypocritical! When Sancho criticized his manager, similar accusations of disrespect were made.”
Uche Mark highlighted that attitudes like Finidi’s contribute to Osimhen’s challenges, “This behavior is why Finidi did not excel. Disrespectful behavior towards someone much older is evident. Osimhen, despite your successes, have you achieved even half of what Finidi did? Despite being from the same region, I cannot support you in this matter.”