Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has lashed out at Finidi George, stating that he has lost respect for the coach.
Finidi, who has reportedly resigned as coach of the Nigerian national team on Saturday, was quoted to have said he can’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 was sidelined for four weeks with injury.
The Napoli striker, in a live Instagram video, opened up on the circumstances that led to his withdrawal from the Super Eagles last two World Cup qualifiers, revealing that Finidi was adequately briefed by him and his doctor.
“I knew things like these would happen and that’s why I have the videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany,” Osimhen said.
“I got injured in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and I went to the MRI scan. And I called Finidi there for him to listen to the doctor too.
“I called him (Finidi) and asked him to allow me to come to the camp to be with the boys and I spoke to some of my teammates too but he said I have to be with my family.
“I’m not addressing anything, everybody knows I play my heart out whenever I’m playing for the club or national team. I’ll share the screenshot and videos of my conversation with Finidi for the sake of those believing what Finidi said.
“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them,” the player added
In Finidi’s first game in charge of the Super Eagles, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Uyo. They then lost 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan, leaving them with just three points after four games.