Sports

Osimhen in big trouble following outburst against Eagles coach Finidi George

Published

4 months 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

South Africa succumbs to New Zealand in T20 World Cup final

Published

5 days ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

After a fairytale run to the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, South Africa succumbed to New Zealand who ran out as the surprise champions with a comprehensive 32-run win over the Proteas.

Before coming into the tournament, the White Ferns had lost 10 successive matches and this is their first T20 title, after losing successive finals in 2009 and 2010.

The report of the match played on Sunday, however showed they were on top at the halfway point, but the Proteas started strongly in pursuit of 159 for victory, reaching 51-0 inside seven overs before slipping to 77-5 and then stuttering to 126-9.

“Leg-spinner Melie Kerr finished with 3-24, becoming the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, and seamer Rosemary Mair took 3-25 in an emotional occasion for a team with so little expectation of triumph,” the report said.

“Kerr also added a vital contribution with the bat, scoring 43 from 38 balls in a crucial partnership of 57 with Brooke Halliday to set up the White Ferns’ imposing 158-5.

“In a fluctuating innings, New Zealand dominated the powerplay with 43-1 before South Africa fought back in the middle overs which included a spell of 48 balls without a boundary.

“It is the second year running that South Africa have lost the final as New Zealand put in a complete performance when it mattered the most which resulted in tears of joy for two of the sport’s most experienced campaigners in Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine.

“In the first year that the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced equal prize money for it’s men’s and women’s tournaments, New Zealand will take home $2.34 million (£1.75m) with South Africa taking $1.7m (£878,000).”

Sports

South Africa shocks Australia in T20 World Cup semi-finals

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The South African women cricket national team caused the biggest upset at the T20 World Cup in Dubai, by eliminating six-time winners, Australia, racing to an emphatic eight-wicket win.

The defending champions also missed out on an eighth final appearance as the Proteas reached their target of 135 with 16 balls to spare with Anneke Bosch striking a sensational unbeaten 74 from 48 balls while captain Laura Wolvaardt added a classy 42 in a second-wicket partnership of 96 that left Australia reeling.

The brilliant run of the South African women was executed by their bowlers who smartly restricted Australia to 134-5 in a curiously underwhelming innings.

Australia paid the price for stuttering in the middle overs, with the run-rate rarely creeping over a run a ball as captain Tahlia McGrath trudged to 27 from 33.

South Africa started the chase confidently with a powerplay of 43-1, comfortably ahead of Australia’s 35-2 at the same stage, before Tazmin Brits’ departure for 15 opened the door for the phenomenal match-winning partnership.

Bosch, whose previous high score in the tournament was 25, crunched eight fours and a six in her match-winning effort, rewarding the faith of the South Africa selectors who kept her at number three, and meant they reached their second successive final after the 2023 edition on home soil.

Reacting to the win, South African cricket writer Firdose Moonda told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We have had an incredible 18 months of sport in South Africa.

“We are a country with very little financial resource, compared to others like Australia for example, and we are a country punching so far above its weight, while being one of the most diverse teams and unifying South Africa.

“Many people survive on hope alone in our country and these women have brought so much hope.”