National team player Osimhen becomes a center of controversy
For the Nigerian football squad, the WM-Qualification isn't going swimmingly, and matters off the field are heated as well. At the heart of the drama: forward Victor Osimhen. He's publicly lashing out at accusations from his coach.
The Naples striker stirred up a fuss within the Nigerian national team. In an Instagram-shared video, he declared that he has completely lost any respect he had for Finidi George, the former national coach of the Super Eagles. George is reported to have stated that he wouldn't have selected Osimhen for the national team. In his view, Osimhen was capable of playing. However, the striker maintained that a game was impossible for him due to a muscle injury.
Without Osimhen, who is currently Africa's Footballer of the Year, Nigeria managed only one point from their qualifying matches against South Africa (1:1) and Benin (1:2), dropping them to the disappointing fifth and penultimate place in the group. Nigerian media reports suggest that these were George's last games, with a new coach set to take over. However, the identity of the potential successor remains unknown.
"I asked Finidi George if I could stay with the players in the camp, but Finidi told me not to worry and to stay with my family," explained Osimhen, who didn't attend the games. "Now, after two poor performances, everyone's pointing the finger at me," he grumbled. "I know I've played for Nigeria despite numerous injuries and with my heart and soul, but now everyone's tearing me apart after two disappointing performances," Osimhen emotionally stated.
