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The minister of sports John Owan Enoh has waded into the ongoing feud between Victor Osimhen and Napoli after a disgraceful TikTok video.
Osimhen was the subject of two viral TikTok videos released by Napoli’s official social media channel, one of which mocked his penalty miss against Bologna, the second of which compared him to a coconut with critics insisting the second video had a racist motive behind it.
Last season’s top scorer was left outraged by the videos, but, despite the fact that he could have taken legal action against the club, Osimhen has recently decided along with his agent Roberto Calenda not to do so.
Owan Enoh shared his thoughts on the matter via a press release, in which he vowed to protect Nigerian athletes from “unfair mockery and discrimination.”
The statement read: “My office is working hard to reach Osimhen firsthand and understand what the problems are and to establish the facts. I am also in contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and with the Nigerian Ambassador to Italy.
“We are using diplomatic channels to explore the issue with Italy. We are committed to ensuring that our sportspeople are given the respect they deserve and that they are not exposed to injustice, discrimination and unfair mockery that could be detrimental to their careers.”
Napoli have released their own statement on the issue, although the club received criticism for failing to properly apologise to Osimhen.
As the arguments continue, Napoli are back in league action on Saturday, when they will face Lecce, with whom the Partenopei are currently level on points.
Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has seen his relationship with the prolific goalscorer break down but has still included him in Sunday’s matchday squad as he did midweek.
Osimhen is expected to start again as the reigning Italian top-flight champions take on Lecce before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old has so far refused to comment publicly on the situation but was reportedly unhappy with the club before the insulting TikTok videos aired.
He also considered to still be upset at the club for not apologising despite his efforts to help fire Napoli to a first Scudetto in 33 years last season.