Nigerian football star, Odion Ighalo, has stepped in to mediate a dispute between Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and former Nigerian national team coach Finidi George.
This follows Finidi’s resignation as head coach of the Super Eagles, a decision made after the Nigeria Football Federation announced plans to hire a foreign technical adviser.
Finidi, who was appointed on April 29, 2024, to succeed Jose Peseiro after his contract expired in February, faced backlash from Osimhen.
Reports revealed that Finidi accused Osimhen of frequently pulling out of national team matches due to minor injuries.
Osimhen, who scored 15 goals for Napoli in Serie A this season, claimed he sustained an ankle injury during a match against Lecce on May 25.
Despite his desire to join the Super Eagles camp for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Osimhen stated that Finidi advised him otherwise.
In an Instagram Live video, Osimhen expressed his frustration, saying, “I won’t allow anyone to tarnish my reputation. When I play for Nigeria, I give my all and leave everything on the pitch. But I won’t tolerate disrespect from anyone.”
He also indicated his willingness to share screenshots and videos of his conversations with Finidi to support his claims, adding, “I have lost respect for that man. I always show respect before considering disrespecting anyone.”
During an Instagram live session, Ighalo intervened, urging Osimhen to calm down and end the broadcast, saying, “Boy, calm down and end the live.”
