Izuchukwu Okosi
Nigeria’s international, Victor Osimhen, on Wednesday night put behind him the furore caused by the tacky TikTok video uploaded by the social media team of SS Napoli in the aftermath of his penalty miss against Bologna by netting in the 4-1 win over Udinese.
Osimhen had not scored in four successive games for the Serie A champions and reacted angrily to being substituted by head coach Rudi Garcia.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhat followed afterwards led to media reports that the Super Eagles star is poised to leave the club where his contract expires in 2025.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda threatened to take legal actions against Napoli but the player scored in the win against Isaac Success and Maduka Okoye’s Udinese.
The Nigerian star however passed up the opportunity to take a penalty kick during the game prior to scoring. He ran to the bench to hug New signing, Jesper Lindstrom, ignoring Garcia.
Garcia, in one of his responses to questions asked him during his post match press conference, was quick to play down the drama that unfolded in recent days and said he is in good terms with his superstar player.
“Don’t you worry about me, I have some experience, I’ve got broad shoulders, I’ll be fine,” smiled the coach on DAZN after a 4-1 victory.
“I am happy for the lads, we really enjoyed seeing this Napoli side control the game, create many chances and push harder to turn good fortune our way.
“I complimented him (Osimhen), which is different. I have had a very good rapport with Victor since the moment I arrived. I am happy because he scored a goal and centre-forwards always want to score goals. He too was unlucky hitting the crossbar and upright in the last few games, but I told him to stay focused on the game.
“Technically, he provided an assist today, because I had named him as the penalty taker this evening. I do not take someone off penalty duties if they make a mistake, but he decided to give that assist to (Piotr) Zielinski.”
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
