The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says the decision not to expel Victor Osimhen from the Super Eagles was influenced by Sports Minister Senator John Enoh. OwngoalNigeria.com reports.
Osimhen lashed out at former team coach Finidi George in response to reports that the coach questioned his commitment to the team, after he withdrew from the World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively due to a injury.
The Napoli striker vented his anger at the news in a live video on his Instagram account and, despite a call from the manager to explain that the report was false, he has refused to apologise, prompting calls for the NFF to expel him from the team.
A source at the football club told the Guardian they were on the verge of imposing a suspension and fine on the 25-year-old before the minister intervened.
“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is unhappy with Osimhen for this outburst which has put him in a bad light with Nigerians. It came at a time when Nigeria was struggling to secure its first ever World Cup qualifying win.
“I must confess that the NFF hierarchy was stunned by Osimhen’s actions, and it took the timely intervention of the Minister of Sports, Senator Owan Eno, to prevent any escalation.
“Osimhen is yet to offer a formal apology to Finidi, the NFF and Nigerians for his tirades,” a senior NFF official said, according to The Guardian.
Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman
