Napoli have worded a puzzling statement over the TikTok video supposedly intended to spite Victor Osimhen, but they have failed to apologize to the Nigerian.
Osimhen missed a penalty in the 72nd minute of the Neapolitans 0-0 draw with Bologna, and the encounter ultimately culminated in a draw.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Napoli shared videos on their TikTok account, which many have termed as derogatory, insensitive, and racist.
The first video shared by the Serie A champions showed Victor Osimhen requesting a penalty, and a disrespectful audio was also included in it.
The audio which was also subtitled in the clip went thus: “’Gimme penalty please”, before Victor Osimhen missed the resultant penalty kick.
Racial slur on Victor Osimhen?
Napoli also allegedly released a second video, which also went viral but has been deleted, and it was termed by many to be a racial slur on Osimhen.
The 24-year-old was compared to a “coconut”, and it has since sparked fiery reactions from football enthusiasts across the globe.
Victor Osimhen also subsequently deleted all pictures on his Instagram account, which had an affiliation with Napoli.
Due to the recent happenings, Victor Osimhen’s agent indicated that the talisman could institute legal action against the Italian club.
Football agent Roberto Calenda shared a lengthy statement on his X account, (formerly known as Twitter) and it read:
“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.
“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted.
“A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.
“We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”
Napoli statement to Victor Osimhen
In that regard, Napoli have issued a formal statement revealing their stance on the recent happenings.
The statement reads: “Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club.”
Napoli also added that they turned down advances from several clubs for the Nigeria international during the 2023 summer transfer window.
However, it remains an unknown mystery if the Naples-based club intended to apologize to Victor Osimhen with the statement released.
In concluding their statement, Napoli wrote: “In any case, if Victor perceived any offense towards him, this was not what the club intended.”
We are looking forward to the response from the camp of Osimhen, and to see whether they will accept this as an apology or remain infuriated due to the nature of the statement released, as it didn’t include any genuine tone of apology in it.
Osimhen’s apology to Rudi Garcia
The former Lille striker was involved in a rift with manager Rudi Garcia, but it was reported on Monday, September 25, 2023, that he has apologized to his coach.
Victor Osimhen also revealed that his petulant display when he was substituted on Sunday, September 24, 2023, was due to his unquenchable desire to win.
Osimhen had his name on the score sheet on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, scoring the 2nd goal in Napoli’s 4-1 win over Udinese.
He has scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 7 appearances across all competitions for the Neapolitans this season.
Given recent happenings, his future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has been plunged into uncertainty.
However, it is certain that Victor Osimhen wouldn’t be short of offers come the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old was linked with several clubs in the summer transfer window, including; Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, amongst others.
Some of these clubs have fortified in attack, but there might be an opening for him at Stamford Bridge or the Santiago Bernabeu.
