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June 15, 2024
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Finidi reportedly said that it was impossible to sanction some players who belonged to some "big men."
Nigeria and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has berated the now-resigned coach of Nigeria's football team, Super Eagles, Finidi George, for accusing him of lack of commitment, deliberately refusing to play in the World Cup Qualifier match and being above discipline.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Finidi reportedly said that it was impossible to sanction some players who belonged to some "big men."
He had said these when he along with NFF chieftains met with Sports Minister, John Enoh, in Abuja to review the Super Eagles’ tottering 2026 World Cup campaign after they held South Africa to a 1-1 draw in Uyo before they were shocked by lowly Benin 2-1 in Abidjan.
Finidi had also used the poster boy of Osimhen to drive home his point that the country’s top stars were not fully committed to the Super Eagles.
Osimhen was not available for the two all-important World Cup qualifiers with an official explanation that he was injured and sidelined for four weeks.
But Finidi said the Napoli striker could still have managed to play these matches.
Finidi, who has now resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles, also reportedly said that he could not beg Osimhen to play for the national team after the player withdrew from their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
Responding to Findi, Osimhen, visibly infuriated in an Instagram live video lambasted Finidi, saying he had lost respect for the former Enyimba coach.
Osimhen in the live Instagram video on Saturday opened up on the circumstances that led to his withdrawal from the Super Eagles last two World Cup qualifiers.
He said that Finidi was adequately briefed by him and his doctor.
The striker said, “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.
“I got injured in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and I went for an 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.”
Recall that in Finidi’s first game in charge of the Super Eagles, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Friday and a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Abidjan compounded the Super Eagles fate in Group C of the qualifying series, leaving them with just three points after four games.