Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced the commencement of disciplinary proceedings against Super Eagles and Napoli FC striker, Victor Osimhen, following a recent verbal attack on national team coach, Finidi George, via social media.
The incident, which has drawn widespread attention, could potentially result in Osimhen being banned from representing the Super Eagles.
According to sources within the NFF, the disciplinary action stems from Osimhen’s comments that were deemed disrespectful and detrimental to team unity. The social media outburst occurred after the Super Eagles’ latest international fixture, in which tensions reportedly ran high between Osimhen and the coaching staff.
Osimhen, who is currently one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian football, has had an impressive season with Napoli FC, contributing significantly to the club’s successes both domestically and in European competitions. However, his recent behavior has put him at odds with the NFF’s code of conduct for players.
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, stated, “We take matters of discipline very seriously within the national team setup. Victor Osimhen’s comments about Coach Finidi George are unacceptable, and we have initiated disciplinary proceedings to address this issue appropriately. The Super Eagles must maintain a standard of respect and professionalism, and no player is above these values.”
Finidi George, a former Nigerian international and current assistant coach of the Super Eagles, has refrained from making public comments on the matter. However, insiders suggest that the coaching staff and management are keen on resolving the situation swiftly to maintain team harmony ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
The potential ban of Osimhen from the Super Eagles could have significant repercussions for the team, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on the horizon. Osimhen has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes, and his absence would undoubtedly be felt on the pitch.
Fans and pundits alike have expressed mixed reactions to the unfolding saga. While some believe that disciplinary action is necessary to uphold team discipline, others argue that Osimhen’s contributions to the national team should be taken into consideration, and a more conciliatory approach might be beneficial.
The NFF’s disciplinary committee is expected to convene in the coming days to review the incident and make a final decision on Osimhen’s fate. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how the federation handles similar issues in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline while balancing the interests of the team and its players.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in Nigerian football will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that supports both the integrity of the national team and the development of its star players.
