Africa’s Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who was recently crowned has opened up on the alleged poor treatment from his Italian club side, SSC Napoli.
The speculations about poor treatment had made the rounds after a controversial Tik-Tok video was uploaded by the club’s official social media page.
Osimhen however cleared the air on his relationship with the club, saying the video was a “stupid mistake” made by someone and not the club.
The Super Eagles player and Napoli striker made the clarity following his victory in Marrakech, Morocco, for the 2023 CAF POTY award.
Osimhen’s victory became the first for Nigeria since Nwankwo Kanu’s in 1999, concurrently with Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala’s record-tying sixth Women’s Player of the Year title.
A few weeks ago, Osimhen became the target of jeers when the striker’s missed penalty against Bologna was made fun of in one of two contentious films posted by the club’s TikTok administrator.
Nigerian football supporters took the action as an opportunity to criticise Napoli, saying their star player was being treated unfairly.
In the interview conducted after the award event, Osimhen affirmed that the club handled the situation admirably.
“I want to correct an impression here, Napoli didn’t treat me badly,” Osimhen told journalists in Marrakech, Morocco.
“It was a stupid mistake from an individual and I wasn’t happy about it. Aurelio De Laurentiis (Napoli President) took charge of the situation and stood with me. I spoke to the individual and he was remorseful. I am happy with that.”
Osimhen has continued his excellent form this season with six goals and one assist in 11 league appearances, despite being sidelined by an injury.
Last season, he helped Napoli win the Serie A for the first time in thirty-three years after scoring 26 goals.
The reigning champions, however, have slowed down this year and are currently sixth in Serie A with 24 points from 15 games.
The club also defeated Portugues side Braga 2-0 to qualify for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with Osimhen scoring in the 33rd minute.