The former Lille striker led Napoli to their third-ever Scudetto title last year, but he was disrespected by the club barely two months into the new season
Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, has joined the chorus of disapproval following the Tiktok video controversy involving Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
Last month, Napoli’s Tiktok account aired a video mocking Osimhen’s missed penalty against Bologna, sparking widespread criticism.
The incident, termed ‘stupid’ and disgusting by renowned former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, left Osimhen deeply affected.
Expressing his dismay as per Tutto Napoli, Peseiro remarked,
“A video like this published by rivals or people outside the club is one thing, but posting it from Napoli was the worst thing that could have happened. This can’t happen.”
Peseiro emphasised the emotional toll it took on Osimhen, stating,
“Osimhen was sad because it’s not easy for anyone. He didn’t understand it. He didn’t understand why to do it.”
Highlighting Osimhen’s rise to stardom, Peseiro underlined the weight of expectations on the young striker, stating,
“Osimhen is a star. Two years ago, he wasn’t, now he’s a star. And when you’re a star, everyone wants more and more.
“Others can do badly, but if Osimhen does badly, it’s different because people expect more from players who can make a difference.”
Drawing attention to Napoli’s misstep, the former Sporting Lisbon manager criticised the club’s actions, stating,
“It was a bad thing that Napoli did. Of course, Victor would have preferred they hadn’t done that.”
Osimhen, currently the most valuable player in Serie A, played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s historic Scudetto triumph, amassing an impressive tally of 26 goals.
