“Victor Osimhen is yet to apologize for his social media rant” – Finidi George reveals.

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker for Napoli, found himself in a public dispute with former Super Eagles coach Finidi George over allegations that Osimhen had faked an injury to avoid participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This led to a social media rant by Osimhen, where he vehemently denied these claims, escalating the situation into a significant controversy within Nigerian football circles.

• The Incident: Osimhen took to Instagram to refute the allegations, which he perceived as questioning his commitment to the national team. His response was not only a defense of his integrity but also included disrespectful comments towards Finidi and curses aimed at critical fans.
• Finidi’s Response: Finidi George clarified that he never accused Osimhen of faking an injury. He reached out to Osimhen to clear the air, emphasizing that he would address any issues directly with the players involved rather than through public statements. This clarification came after discussions with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and veteran journalist Colin Udoh, who investigated the matter.
• Public and Media Reaction: The incident has divided opinions. While some support Osimhen’s right to defend himself, others criticize his approach, especially given his stature in Nigerian football. There’s been a call for a formal apology from Osimhen to Finidi for the public accusations, but as of the latest updates, no such apology has been issued.
• Implications for Both Parties: For Osimhen, this controversy adds to his existing pressures, including his uncertain transfer situation, with no Premier League club meeting his release clause despite his desire to move there. For Finidi, who has since resigned, this episode might have contributed to the decision to step down, though officially, his resignation was linked to the NFF’s plan to appoint a foreign technical adviser.
• NFF’s Stance: The Nigerian Football Federation has denied any ban on Osimhen related to this incident, focusing instead on resolving internal matters and preparing for future tournaments. They’ve also expressed a need for a more robust scouting program, indicating a broader strategy shift rather than dwelling on individual conflicts.

This situation underscores the complexities of managing professional football careers, especially at the international level, where personal integrity, national pride, and professional expectations intersect, often leading to public disputes that require delicate handling by all parties involved.