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NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.

Victor Osimhen and Finidi George
Following Victor Osimhen’s outburst on social media, reactions from fans have been pouring in, with many criticizing the Napoli striker for his comments against Finidi George.
Finidi, who is said to have also resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles on Saturday (although the NFF is yet to confirm), was quoted to have said he can’t beg Osimhen to play for the national team after the player withdrew from their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
The striker was said to have been ruled out by a four-week injury and was replaced by Enugu Rangers defender, Kenneth Igboke.
But following the Super Eagles wobbling performances against South Africa and Benin Republic, the narrative of Osimhen’s absence changed as the online medium (not The PUNCH) reported that Finidi used Osimhen’s absence as a poser for the players’ bad attitude towards the national team when he and the Nigeria Football Federation chiefs met with the Sports Minister, John Enoh in Abuja on Wednesday.
Osimhen was apparently infuriated by the comments in a live Instagram video on Saturday said he had lost respect for Finidi and opened up on the circumstances that led to his withdrawal from the Super Eagles last two World Cup qualifiers, adding that Finidi was adequately briefed by him and his doctor.
Jason, using the handle @zieecity, dismissed Osimhen’s actions, stating, “Let him get out, who’s he? As a professional footballer you don’t release a live video swearing and saying nonsense. No player is bigger than the team.”
Kinq Kudos expressed his disapproval of Osimhen’s approach, saying, “I don’t like Finidi’s style of coaching but Osimhen is not supposed to handle this issue like this. He could have done this on a podcast or interview if he truly wants to address it.”
Ore Eva defended Osimhen, stating, “For years that Osimhen has been on the team, he’s never spoken against any coach. Finidi must have really been terrible.”
Iyke, with the username @drackfel, accused Osimhen of disrespect, commenting, “Osimhen feels he’s richer and bigger than Finidi so he has no right to be in charge of him. It wouldn’t happen if the coach was a white man. He wouldn’t make such comments publicly if one of his managers at Napoli did the same thing. Shame.”
Uchenna, with the username @RichDakvng, called out Osimhen’s disrespect, saying, “Anyone that doesn’t see disrespect in this speech is a big hypocrite! When Sancho called out his manager, they said Sancho is disrespectful.”
Uche Mark emphasized that players like Finidi caused Osimhen’s failure, “This is why Finidi did not succeed. Disrespect, just look at how he’s talking to someone old enough to be his dad. They’re calling you Osimhen, your head is swelling. Have you played up to half of what Finidi played? You’re my Edo brother but I don’t support you on this.” (Sunday PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)