NFF
Why NFF won’t ban Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may not find it easy to ban Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen over his outburst and disrespect to his former coach, Finidi George.
Indeed, the NFF refuted reports in the public space that it has imposed a ban on Osimhen over his recent social media outburst which was targeted at Finidi George, the former coach of the senior nation team.
A statement on Thursday by the NFF clarified what it called the erroneous claims in certain online media that Osimhen has been suspended from the team due to his recent outburst against Finidi on social media.
The NFF expressed shock at the report that has been circulating recently, particularly on social media, in a statement signed by General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
“The NFF hereby implores the media to join hands with the body to positively resolve issues and then focus on the big picture all the time, rather than needlessly escalate certain matters. There was no official communication from the NFF, yet some persons have gone to town to talk about a ban on Osimhen from the National Team. This is not good at all.”
The NFF further added in the statement that its current priority is to put an end to any issues about the Super Eagles so that it may confidently look forward to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the final six games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.
According to the release,“Our focus presently is to resolve all matters around the Super Eagles and be able to look ahead with confidence to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the remaining six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.
“This is not the time to spread falsehood and foul the public space the more.”
However, some stakeholders said the NFF will not be able to take a harsh position on Osimhen because interests of individuals coalese.
The sources in the sports industry in the country stated that one could be dealing with an executive of the NFF with a sanction on a Super Eagles player.
A stakeholder, who pleaded anonymity, said in Europe, players celebrate their inclusion in national teams, but in Nigeria, players are begged to play for the country.
He said the ugly scenario of the Finidi-Osimhen saga is not the first and would not be the end of such in Nigeria.
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