The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to take disciplinary action against the first choice striker of the Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen, for his recent verbal assault on former coach Finidi George.
The incident comes in the wake of Finidi's resignation as the coach of the senior national team, which was announced last Friday.
Osimhen publicly criticized Finidi for questioning his commitment to the team, particularly in relation to his absence from the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles struggled in these matches, drawing 1-1 and losing 1-2, respectively, dropping them to fifth place in their group, four points behind leader Rwanda.
In response to Osimhen's outburst, NFF President Ibrahim Muse Guseu has reportedly spoken with the Napoli forward to address the issue.
Finidi also reached out to Osimhen to clarify the situation and explain that the reports he reacted to were false and misleading.
A board member of the NFF has revealed that the federation is determined to set an example by taking action against Osimhen's behavior.
The board member stated, "Osimhen is a role model, and the only way we can help the incoming coach stamp his authority is by using him to set an example. He crossed the line with his outburst, even when Finidi called him to explain.
He still didn't deem it fit to retract his statements. We won't condone that, and after the Salah break, we will sit on the issue. I can tell you he won't be in the team until he says sorry for his actions."
The NFF's decision to charge Osimhen for his improper conduct highlights the federation's commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful environment within the national team.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the appointment of a new expatriate coach, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Osimhen's future role within the team and whether he will issue a public apology to Finidi and the NFF.
