Former Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has opened up on his efforts to mend fences with Forward, Victor Osimhen after the Player’s social media outburst over an claims that he lacked commitment to the national team.
During a crisis meeting with the Minister of Sports following Nigeria’s poor start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the guidance of Finidi, the coach had allegedly questioned his players professionalism.
Present during the meeting with Finidi were Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Enoh, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and VP Felix Anyasi, as well as General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
The NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, Super Eagles Team Manager Dayo Enebi and a Press officer to the Minister were also present.
Victor Osimhen celebrates with the Serie A trophy along side NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and the Forward’s partner, Stephanie holding their baby. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
However, there was a leak and some of the matters discussed in the closed door meeting got in the media, including one where Osimhen was allegedly accused of picking which games to play, and his lack of commitment; allegations which he disproved during his social media outburst – he also claims there’s a recording of the three-way conversation with the coach, and doctor confirming his injury.
Visibly angry Osimhen social media-filled vitriol accused the then Super Eagles coach of spreading false information and declaring he had lost respect for him.
“I have lost the respect I had for that man [Finidi],” Osimhen said in his IG outburst. “I have all these recorded, to come talk to the boys.”
But, in his most recent response to the controversy, Finidi opened up on his attempt to reach the player for a clear-the-air talks.
In the interview with Onah Kosisochukwu (Nigeria Info), Finidi who has since been appointed as Rivers United head coach said, “Victor (Osimhen) did not apologise even after I reached out to him.”
“He sent a message on Whatsapp, but deleted it before I got the chance to even see it.
“I texted him to say whatever you heard that made you come this hard on me, was unfair, because he didn’t hear the truth,” the Coach said.
Victor Osimhen. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
“You can ask Eguavoen or Enebi they were there. There were seven men [sic] in that meeting – no woman – and in our conversation about moving the team forward, there was never a talk from me about Osimhen lacking commitment.”
“Victor is a player I always liked, and I still like him regardless. But I wish everybody well. God will judge.”
In its attempt to quell the tension, weeks after the outburst, the Minister put out a statement dismissing calls for a disciplinary action against the player.
Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh had a tour of the National Stadium Lagos. Photo | BRL
In the aftermath of the crisis talk, Finidi George quit his role as Super Eagles head coach, just four games into the appointment and cited the Federation’s lack of trust and clarity over his future at the helm.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen recently returned to the National team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, and scored coming off the bench as a substitute in thr second half of Nigeria’s hime gane against Benin Republic.
