Without a doubt, one of the most topical issues in Nigerian football at the moment is the verbal attack on the immediate past coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, by the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen. Most of us have already watched the video, which went viral on social media, so there isn’t much to say about its odious content. We are told Osimhen was upset that his patriotism was questioned by his former coach after he missed the last two World Cup qualifiers due to injury. Therefore, in the no-holds-barred video, he ‘abused’ the hell out of Finidi.
Ordinarily, the video shouldn’t have drawn mixed reactions, but it is normal for people to see things from different perspectives. Therefore, instead of unanimously condemning the behaviour of Osimhen, some people have deliberatly refused to see the wrong in some of the things he said in the controversial video.
Many of us adore Osimhen because of his commitment and dedication to serving his fatherland. His grass to grace story is well known. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he fought hard to overcome all the obstacles in his path. Today, by the special grace of God, Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world. It is, therefore, no surprise that he is currently the transfer target of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Osimhen is indeed worthy of the attention of any club that is desirous of goal-scoring.
Nigerians love Osimhen so much because he never plays hide and seek when it comes to representing the Super Eagles. Just like he said in the video, he at times plays through injuries just to ensure the Super Eagles win their matches.
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Even in friendly matches, he gives the same energy because he is a serial winner. He wants to win at every given opportunity. It is also for this reason that he is most times tested for doping after matches. Sometimes, he is singled out for doping tests because he exhibits extraordinary energy. However, those close to him know that he is a decent athlete who competes without performance enhancing substances.
Already, Osimhen has become a role model for most youths around the globe. Most Nigerian youths who want to play football now aspire to be like him. Therefore, whatever he does on and off the field impacts so many people because he has become a great influencer.
Sadly, in a fit of anger, he forgot his lofty position as a youth influencer. He didn’t pause for a second to consider the huge implications of what he wanted to do on his personality, his career, and his followers. Based on tittle-tattle, he threw caution to the winds and spoke in a manner that instantly reminded many of his poor background.
Osimhen himself has never hidden the fact that he grew up in a ghetto where life is lived without too many restrictions. What is prevalent in every ghetto is survival of the fittest. So, anyone who survives in such an environment is bound to exhibit abnormal behaviours. While reflecting on Osimhen’s video, a colleague said,’You can take a pig out of the gutter, but you can’t take the gutter out of the pig’. Simply put, Osimhen is a hugely successful football player, but the ghetto life he passed through is still very much in him.
Well, since there is no proof that Finidi said Osimhen lacks commitment and patriotism, it is necessary to ask the player to humble himself and apologise to the coach through the same medium he used to vent his anger. Nobody should deceive him that doing so would reduce his personality.
As a matter of fact, those who mean well for Osimhen should educate him on the importance of emotional intelligence. Even when he is offended, he should put his emotions under control. Having a fiery temper is nothing to be proud of. He can be a lion, tiger, or beast on the field of play, but off it, he must strive to be a fine gentleman to remain a role model that he has become.
It is necessary to reiterate that Osimhen has no reason to even hesitate to apologise to Finidi. Truth be told, he wasn’t in the meeting where the coach allegedly questioned his patriotism. Therefore, his reaction was based on rumour. Had Finidi publicly used him as a scapegoat, not many people would have asked him to apologise, even as he overacted in the video.
Nevertheless, the Nigeria Football Federation should handle the Osimhen-Finidi saga with utmost care and responsibility, or else it will have dire consequences on the Super Eagles. Personally, I wasn’t comfortable with the statement from the NFF on the issue. The federation refuted reports that it had banned Osimhen or begun investigation into the matter. Instead, the NFF admonished Nigerians to stop stoking the fire.
The statement was inappropriate. At least, the football governing body should have stated that Osimhen wasn’t banned, but the issue would receive the necessary attention for amicable resolution. To casually deny reports of Osimhen’s ban and making it look as if it is a misdemeanour that is not worthy of any punishment leaves much to be desired.
Already, the NFF is grappling with the problem of indiscipline in the Super Eagles. The federation shouldn’t miss the opportunity provided by Osimhen’s shameful video to reaffirm its stance on discipline in the team. If Osimhen is allowed to go scot-free, it would embolden his teammates to even do worse things in the future. A lengthy ban for Osimhen may be counter-productive, but he must be made to pay a price for his transgression.
Today, it is Finidi who has been undermined. It may be Jay-jay Okocha or Kanu Nwankwo tomorrow. Before now, this same Osimhen reacted angrily and negatively to a harmless advice from Victor Ikpeba, but it appeared nobody took note of the insolence. Maybe that is what has given him the impetus to now do what is even worse.
Like I stated earlier, even if Osimhen refuses to apologise to Finidi, he will be the biggest loser. Already, he has bitten his nose to spite his face because the whole world, including his suitors, has seen the video and must be wondering if it will be possible to deal with his erratic nature. Apart from field excellence, players are assessed based on emotional stability and social behaviour. It is an open secret that Osimhen easily flares up at the slightest provocation. He has just underlined that weakness.
Already, a legend of the Super Eagles, Taribo West, has narrated how his hot head denied him opportunities to play for Arsenal and Manchester United. According to Owngoal.com, he said a single act of indiscipline when he was subbed off while playing for Inter Milan in Serie A was enough to scare away Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson. So, Osimhen must learn from his predecessors who paid huge prices for their quick-tempered nature. The Napoli man is enjoying his moment in the sun, but he must remember that pride goes before a fall. Moreover, when he wins the AFCON and UEFA Champions League, he may qualify to dine with Finidi George. For now, his hands are not clean enough.
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