FG to contact Italy over Osimhen, Napoli row

John Enoh, minister of sports development, says the federal government is employing diplomatic avenues with Italy over the controversy between Victor Osimhen and SSC Napoli, his club.

The minister spoke in a series of posts on his official X account on Thursday.

Osimhen’s relationship with the Serie A champions has gone sour after a video was posted on the club’s TikTok account wherein the player was presented in a way that suggested mockery.

Roberto Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, threatened a lawsuit against the club. He added that the clip could “cause very serious damage to the player”.

Osimhen also deleted posts and photos related to the Italian Serie A champions on his Instagram page.

Speaking on the development, the minister said he is “saddened” by the row between Napoli and Osimhen.

Enoh said he alongside Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, and Mfawa Abam, Nigeria’s ambassador to Italy, are making efforts to reach the Italian government “for a more proper approach to looking into the matter as it is”.

“Over the past weekend, the news coming out of Napoli concerning Super Eagles player -Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly,” the post reads.

“My office is trying to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well to understand first-hand the issues. We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter.

“Meanwhile, I am in touch with the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam. Together, we are employing Diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more proper approach to looking into the matter as it is. Under the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to any injustice.”

On Thursday evening, Napoli issued a statement stating that the TikTok videos were “never intended to offend or make fun” of Osimhen.