Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has shared his perspective on Victor Osimhen’s recent online outburst directed at then-Super Eagles coach Finidi George, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking on the Obionepodcast, Mikel expressed empathy for Osimhen, suggesting that the striker’s frustration was understandable given the situation within the Nigerian national team.
Earlier reports, which later turned out to be inaccurate, claimed that Finidi George had blamed Nigeria’s loss to Benin Republic on Osimhen’s absence and stated that he wouldn’t beg any player to join the squad.
In response to these claims, Osimhen took to social media in a fiery 10-minute live session, where he called out the former assistant coach, expressing his disappointment and loss of respect for George.
“You can talk nonsense. I have lost the respect I had for that man [Finidi], I swear to God I’ve lost it now because why? I called him, told him to allow me to come to the camp to be with the boys. I have all these recorded, to come talk to the boys,” Osimhen had stated.
Reflecting on the incident, Mikel admitted that while Osimhen’s reaction may not have been ideal, he understands why the forward felt the need to defend himself. He praised Osimhen’s humility but acknowledged that respect must be mutual.
“Every time I speak to him, he’s very humble, respects people. As I said, respect is reciprocal. I respect you, you respect me. I think this situation with the Nigerian coach, where he blew out, he just felt it wasn’t fair because the manager didn’t protect him. He said he had a conversation with the manager, everything was recorded, and the manager just threw him under the bus. He was really pissed off, so he came out to defend himself. Maybe the way he did it wasn’t the best, but he had the right to speak out. I have nothing against Victor [Osimhen] for that, and knowing your worth isn’t arrogance,” the former Super Eagles captain remarked.
Though Osimhen has yet to publicly apologise for his outburst, he has once again given Nigerian fans something to celebrate, scoring quickly in Nigeria’s recent victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.