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.