In an alarming turn of events, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has found himself at the center of a racial controversy following a video posted by Napoli on their official TikTok profile that appeared to mock the Nigerian player.
The incident has ignited a storm of anger, not only among the forwards's passionate fanbase but also among football enthusiasts worldwide.
The controversy began when Napoli's official TikTok account shared a video ridiculing Osimhen, further deepening the already strained relationship between the player and the club.
The video's posting led to an immediate and fierce backlash, particularly from Nigerians both in Italy and back in Osimhen's homeland.
Many supporters took to social media platforms to express their outrage and disappointment, with some going so far as to accuse the club of racism.
On Instagram, Victor himself took a stand by deleting all photos and videos featuring him in a Napoli shirt from his profile, making a powerful statement about his feelings towards the club.
Social media eruption: Fans take to social media to express frustration and support to Osimhen
Nigerian footballer David Nworah weighed in on the situation, saying,
“Disrespecting your best player and one of the best in the world is crazy. Such an ungrateful club.”
The famous Nigerian singer Timaya chimed in on the situation, stating,
“Napoli and the world should put some respect on Osimhen's name. They've not had a player like that since Maradona.”
Other social media users echoed this sentiment, with one commenting,
“Man delivers their first title in a generation and gets this? Unreal.”
Accusations of racism were also widespread, with some users suggesting that incidents like these exemplify broader problems within Italian football.
One user went as far as to say, “Italy, the house of racism,” pointing out the challenges that black players often face in the country.
The sudden backlash left some shocked, especially given that the video in question was a light-hearted mockery of Osimhen's missed penalty.
One fan noted, “When you are winning, they are rooting for you. As soon as you start missing, they kick you to the curb. No loyalty.”
On Twitter, Nigerians expressed their solidarity with the 24 years old, trending his name in the country with messages like, “All Nigerians, we stand with Victor Osimhen.”
Some users suggested that Osimhen's rise to stardom in world football might be seen as a threat by some.
“You guys are threatened whenever a black player rises to stardom in world of football”
However, it's important to note that not all Napoli fans supported Osimhen's actions.
Some were critical of his decision to remove Napoli-related content from his Instagram profile.
Italian TV host Marika Fruscio even commented on Osimhen's latest Instagram post, placing blame on the player.
As this incident continues to reverberate through the footballing world, it underscores the ongoing challenges of racism in sports and highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for players of all backgrounds.
The fallout from this controversy remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: it has ignited a passionate debate about race, respect, and loyalty in the beautiful game.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
