In response to the recent social media uproar caused by a TikTok video posted on Napoli’s official page, the Serie A club has released an official statement.
The video in question, which was perceived by many as a mockery of Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen, led to Osimhen deleting Napoli-related posts from his Instagram page.
Criticism from netizens poured in after the video was posted and subsequently deleted by Napoli, with many demanding an apology from the Italian club.
Napoli has now issued a statement addressing the controversy.
In their statement, Napoli emphasised that they never intended to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, whom they consider a valuable asset to the club.
They cited their rejection of transfer offers for Osimhen during the summer training retreat as evidence of their commitment to the player.
“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.
“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision.
“In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended,” the statement said.
The club also acknowledged that social media platforms, especially TikTok, often employ a lighthearted and creative form of expression, which may not intend to insult or ridicule individuals. Napoli clarified that if Victor Osimhen felt offended in any way, it was not the club’s intention to cause offence.
Prior to Napoli’s official statement, Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, had hinted at the possibility of legal action against the club. Despite the controversy, Osimhen displayed his prowess on the field by scoring a goal as Napoli secured a 4-1 victory over Udinese at the Estadio Diego Maradona Stadium.
Earlier, the sports minister, Sen. John Enoh, had promised to intervene in the situation. The Sports Minister expressed his sadness regarding the situation and revealed that he had reached out to Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and the Nigerian ambassador to Italy, Mfawa Abam, in an effort to resolve the matter.
Enoh shared this information on his social media account, X, on Thursday, mentioning that he had also been in contact with renowned Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan last week. “Over the past weekend, the news coming out of Napoli concerning Super Eagles player -Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly. The travails of Tobi Amusan have been no less so—the reason I made efforts to reach her directly last week,” Enoh wrote.
“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.
“Upon assumption of office, I made it abundantly clear, in words and deeds, that the welfare of our athletes, be they home-based or international-based, would be our topmost priority as we create the environment that enables and ensures their continued success.”
