Nigerian Sports Minister SLAMS Napoli for “unfair teasing and discrimination” of Victor Osimhen

Napoli social media handle shared a series of videos mocking their star striker, Victor Osimhen.

Nigerian Sports Minister SLAMS Napoli for “unfair teasing and discrimination” of Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen (Via Goal.com)

Napoli and Victor Osimhen are at the center of controversy. Following huge backlash from fans for sharing videos of Osimhen missing a penalty, and in another, he was compared to a coconut, the Italian club caught massive heat. As many believe these to be racist, however, Osimhen has yet to comment on it publicly. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government has directly involved itself in the issue.

Recently, their Sports Minister said that his office is trying to contact the player and offer support. He said, “The developments arriving from the city of Naples surrounding Osimhen made me very sad.” Further, he also said that his office is actively working to contact the player.

YouTube video

The Nigerian Sports Minister’s office informed that the foreign minister and Nigerian Ambassador are also involved in the issue. A statement read, “The government is committed to ensuring that players are not exposed to injustice, discrimination, and unfair teasing.”

Following all the drama that has ensued, no wonder Victor Osimhen is expected to leave the club in the winter transfer window. He also deleted all pictures in a Napoli Jersey from his Instagram account.

Related: Napoli breaks silence on controversy over TikTok video mocking Victor Osimhen, insists there was no ‘intention of insult’

Lecce vs Napoli: Osimhen set to feature amidst controversy

Napoli are set to take on Lecce in Serie A. The defending Champions find themselves 5th in the league. After 3 winless games in Serie A, Napoli got back to winning ways against Udinese.

How Napoli lined up against Udinese
How Napoli lined up against Udinese (Via X/@sscnapoli)

The Gli Azzurri will look to use their momentum leading into the fixture. Lecce is also on a good run of form. The club is one spot behind Napoli and has the same number of points in 6 games played.

After a recent controversy regarding a video, Victor Osimhen is likely to start against Lecce. The head-to-head record is tilted in the way of the visitors. The home side have only won 2 of the last 12 games against Napoli. As Napoli prepares to take on Real Madrid and Fiorentina, the away side will look to grab all three points.

Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are set to retain their position in the starting line-up. Di Lorenzo and Mathias Olivera will be in charge of the flanks. Ostigard and Natan are likely to be the center-back pairing for Saturday’s clash. Politano, Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia make up the front three. Substitute Cajuste is likely to receive a start alongside Lobotka and Elmas in midfield.

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