Victor Osimhen, the star forward for the Super Eagles, has taken to social media to express his frustration following remarks made by the team’s head coach, Finidi George. The coach had stated that he would not beg Osimhen to play for the national team in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, sparking a heated reaction from the Napoli striker.
The controversy began after Finidi George openly criticized the lack of commitment from key players in the Super Eagles squad. Amidst widespread backlash due to the team’s poor performance—currently fifth in a six-team table—Finidi’s comments struck a nerve. The Super Eagles have struggled in their World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to secure a win in their first four matches against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Benin.
Osimhen, who missed two crucial World Cup qualifiers due to an injury that reportedly sidelined him for four weeks, became a focal point of Finidi’s criticism. A source told SCORENigeria that Finidi used Osimhen’s absence to illustrate a broader issue of player commitment. The coach suggested that Osimhen, despite his injury, could have made an effort to play, implying that the striker selectively chooses his appearances for Nigeria.
Reacting to these allegations, Osimhen took to social media to voice his displeasure. He defended his commitment to the national team and expressed frustration over the insinuations made by Finidi. “I have always given my all for the Super Eagles, and it’s disheartening to hear such comments,” Osimhen posted. “Injuries are part of the game, and no one should question my dedication to representing Nigeria.”
Finidi’s statements also highlighted deeper issues within the Super Eagles camp. He bemoaned the breakdown of discipline, noting how players casually arrived at the training camp for crucial qualifiers. The coach pointed out that the influence of powerful NFF Board members has made it challenging to enforce discipline, as players often have the backing of these influential figures. “It’s tough to manage a team when some players are protected by high-ranking officials,” Finidi said. “It becomes nearly impossible to sanction them effectively.”
The public exchange between Osimhen and Finidi George has sparked a broader conversation about the state of Nigerian football. Fans and analysts alike are calling for greater accountability and unity within the team to improve their chances in the World Cup qualifiers.
As the Super Eagles continue their campaign, the spotlight remains on how the team will navigate these internal conflicts and strive for better performance on the field.
