Instagram rant: Osimhen was used, says Finidi

Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George says on loan Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, was used by some NFF officials to save their heads in the aftermath of the team’s poor performance against South Africa and Benin Republic during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.

Finidi led the Super Eagles in both games, with Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw in Uyo before losing 2-1 against Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.

Osimhen, who was excused from both matches due to an injury, became the subject a few days later after coming online to insult Finidi over comments he allegedly made about his patriotism to the country during an emergency meeting between the coach, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh.

Three months after the incident, Finidi, who resigned from the Super Eagles job in the aftermath of both games, said he hopes the player will find out the truth someday.

“The meeting we had, we never talked about Osimhen at all. The only time Osihmen’s name came up was when the minister talked about hearing about indiscipline while we were at the AFCON and he mentioned Osimhen’s name,” Finidi said in an interview with Nigeria Info.

“It was in that meeting, I think one of the officials, I don’t know who, called him or sent him a message because they wanted to save their heads as the minister was very furious about the team not doing well.

“Someday he is going to realise it’s not true. I think they used him because they wanted to save their heads because of bad results. It’s better they talked about Finidi George than the real issues, and it’s quite unfortunate that he came up live and said those things.”

The coach added that he has not been in communication with the player since the incident.

“I sent him a message to tell him that’s not the best way to go about lying. From that point, I didn’t hear from him; he didn’t apologise. Since then, I’ve moved on. I wish everybody well.”

Finidi is currently the head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League side Rivers United.

After a protracted move away from Napoli, Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on loan and was involved in Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Rwanda.