Sports

Osimhen in big trouble following outburst against Eagles coach Finidi George

Published

2 weeks ago

June 16, 2024

Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has found himself in big trouble with Nigerian football fans following his outburst in which he attacked the national team coach, Finidi George.

Osimhen had, in an Instagram live video on Saturday, attacked George shortly before the coach tendered his resignation and stepped down as Super Eagles head coach.

The controversy erupted was ignited following comments made by George regarding Osimhen’s recent performances and attitude on and off the pitch.

George, an ex-Eagles winger who had illustrious career with the national team where he won the 1994 Nations Cup and played at two world cups, had criticized Osimhen’s work ethic and commitment, suggesting that the young striker needed to improve his professionalism.

The former Ajax and Real Betis player who was appointed in May, had come in for severe attacks after he led the Eagles to two uninspiring 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, drawing 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic.

In his frustration, George, in a statement, blamed some players including Osimhen for the team’s poor performances.

Angered by the criticism, Osimhen, went on a tirade, calling out the gaffer and ended up saying he has lost any respect he had for George.

“I have lost every respect I have for him,” the angry forward said in the Instagram live video.

“It’s disheartening to hear such comments from someone I once looked up to,” he continued.

“I have always given my best for the Super Eagles and my club. To be criticized in this manner by Finidi George, someone who should understand the pressures and challenges we face, is very hurtful. I have lost every respect I had for him.

“I am focused on my development and helping my teams achieve success. What we need is encouragement and constructive feedback, not public denigration from those who have walked this path before us,” he stated in anger.

I have lost every respect I have for him — Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen lashes out at Finidi George
pic.twitter.com/JMZt49qbSu

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 15, 2024

However, the outburst did not sit well with fans of the Super Eagles with many Nigerians calling for his ban from the team.

A former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, who took exception to Osimhen’s attitude, described the tantrum as irresponsible and called for his expulsion from the national team.

According to Peterside, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), should take action to curb similar actions in the future.

“I think action should be taken, or he (Osimhen)
should be banned from playing for the national team,” Peterside wrote on social media.

“If we allow this kind of thing to continue, it would not augur well for Nigeria. The men who have served and given everything to our great country. So sanity must be brought to our football.”

Peterside also called on Osimhen to apologize to George for his actions.

“Osimhen needs to come outside and apologize for the things he said to Finidi, Peterside said on social media.

“Finidi George is a legend, You don’t just widen your mouth and say things that are unpalatable. If you have issues with the man, pick up your phone and call him. That’s what responsible people do.

“Osimhen has just shown a bit of irresponsibility, and that’s unexpected. I think the NFF should call Osimhen and ask him to apologize. He has to apologize for saying things.”

“Our national team is sacred; days when we wore the jersey, we respected it, and people that went before us. He’s not the first, and neither would he be the last. He should come out openly and apologize openly to former footballers, NFF, Finidi, and Nigerians,” former goalkeeper stated.

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Sports

Samuel Eto’o threatens to sue CAF after match-fixing hearing

Published

10 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has threatened to institute a lawsuit against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a disciplinary hearing over match-fixing allegations against him.

The Cameroonian football legend announced the threat after he was invited for questioning over the allegations.

The ex-Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan striker has been a subject of match-fixing allegations in his capacity as head of the FECAFOOT after he was accused of having orchestrated the promotion of a team owned by a close associate of his.

Apart from the match-fixing allegations, Eto’o is also accused of spreading false information, making threats, inciting violence and abusing power, in a scalding report sent to FIFA.

According to the report, Eto’o was charged by CAF over the alleged offences and on Wednesday, June 26th, he appeared before a disciplinary panel.

Though the outcome of the hearing are yet unknown as CAF is yet to publish an official statement, Eto’o says he is not satisfied with the process and will be seeking redress in court.

“I have mandated my lawyers to file a complaint against CAF and for responsibilities to be established,” Eto’o said while addressing journalists.

“It was too easy to tarnish everything I had built during these few years in the world of football. CAF launched a press release much too early. This is unacceptable behaviour.”

Sports

South Africa succumbs to India in T20 World Cup finals

Published

2 days ago

June 30, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South Africa’s unbeaten run to the final of the T20 World Cup was ended on Saturday by India which also ended their 13-year wait for a world title.

In the thrilling final match in Barbados, India fought back gallantly to beat the Proteas who needed 26 from 24 balls in pursuit of 177, but the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen for 52 from 27 swung a dramatic game in India’s favour.

The game looked done during Klaasen’s onslaught but Hardik removed him by finding a thin edge through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Even as Klaasen slumped off, South Africa remained favourites.

The win was India’s second T20 title, having won the inaugural tournament in 2007, and first World Cup win in either format since the 2011 50-over competition.

And for South Africa, it was a horrible defeat that brought back all the pain of World Cups past after breezing through to the final without losing a single match.

India had so much in their favour, a team of superstars chosen from population of 1.4 billion and the largest proportion of the revenue generated in the game.

The Proteas, like India, had progressed to this point unbeaten and had come through a series of tight games and their semi-final win against Afghanistan was their first victory in the last four of a World Cup in eight attempts.

Arshdeep Singh conceded only four from the penultimate over, leaving Hardik Pandya to defend 16 from the last, while David Miller was sensationally caught by Suryakumar Yadav at long-off for 21 from the first ball before India closed out a seven-run win.

It sparked jubilant scenes among the India players and fans in Barbados, including superstar Virat Kohli, who dragged his side to 176-7 with 76 off 59.

The final result left Hardik was in tears as he was part of the Indian side that lost the 50-over World Cup final to Australia on home soil eight months ago.

In the end, up against some superb bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, who took 2-18 in a high-scoring game, they faltered again at the last.

In the final moments, Kagiso Rabada edged a four and Hardik bowled a wide, leaving eight needed from the last two balls before Radaba was caught at long-off.