Truth About The Finidi-Osimhen Saga

BY ADEWALE AJAYI*

Many people saw the Finidi-Osimhen saga as just another player-coach disagreement that would fade away with time. To some, this is the ideal opportunity for the NFF to stamp its authority on indiscipline among National Team players by harshly punishing Victor Osimhen.

This writer is very familiar with Victor Osimhen. I worked with him for nearly two years as the media officer for Nigeria’s Under-20 National Team, and I do not need anyone to tell me about his temperament. We ate together, travelled together, and spent our nights chatting after dinner.

I do not need anyone to lecture me on his temperament; he is a warrior, a fighter, and, most importantly, the most patriotic footballer I have ever seen or known. His enthusiasm for the green-white-green jersey is second to none. His drive for success is incredible, and he has a huge heart.

I remember the Under 20 Qualifier against Burundi in Bujumbura and the victory over Sudan in Omdurman. Osimhen rose to the occasion both times, even though he was nursing a knee injury and had to play in pain.

That demonstrates how passionate this young man is while dressed in Green White Green. So you can understand why he felt betrayed by alleged comments made by coach Finidi George, who described him as unpatriotic. Such remarks will offend any true patriot, especially when one considers the sacrifices. Let us not forget that he claimed he called to inform the coach of his injury after visiting his doctor in Wolfsburg, and he also pleaded with the coach that he would like to be in camp to offer moral support to the boys at the expense of own comfort, which coach Finidi refused.

Nonetheless, there is always the need to exercise caution and maintain a calm, cool, and coordinated demeanour at all times, especially if you find yourself in a position where many people regard you as a role model, mentor, or icon. As the current African footballer of the year, Osimhen perfectly fits these criteria and has even grown to be regarded as an idol by many young footballers across the continent.

In an attempt to clear up all of the confusion surrounding Finidi’s alleged accusation that Osimhen and a few others choose the games that suit them and that the majority of these players are not patriotic, this writer has dug deep to discover what happened at that meeting held inside the conference room of the honourable Minister of Youth and Sports.

Now, what you are about to read below are the highlights of the meeting, as told by two people who were privileged to attend and have agreed to speak only on the condition of anonymity.

*The Meeting that Matters*

The NFF delegation to the meeting, which was held at the Honourable Sports Minister’s office, was led by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau. The entourage also includes the NFF’s first vice president, Anyansi Agwu, general secretary Sanusi Mohammed, team secretary and director of competitions Dayo Enebi, and NFF technical director Augustine Eguaveon.

Senator John Enoh, Nigeria’s sports minister, has invited the NFF and FInidi to explain Nigeria’s poor performance in the two World Cup qualifying games against South Africa and Benin Republic, as well as propose solutions for the future. At some point during the deliberation, Super Eagles head coach Finidi George was asked to speak, and he spoke freely.

What did Finidi say?

According to my source, Finidi blamed his players. He was furious with how the players responded to national call-ups, which some of us had complained about in the lead-up to these games. According to my source, Finidi then assured the minister and his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation, that he was confident the Super Eagles could still qualify for the World Cup if all hands were on deck. He expressed surprise that a few players on the team have Godfathers in the NFF. According to him, if he tries to put his foot down on certain team behaviours, some people will remind him that the players in question are either board members or top NFF officials.

At this point, Augustine Eguaveon, the NFF Technical Director, intervened and told Finidi that to succeed as head coach, he needed to stamp his authority, be decisive, and even brutal if necessary. Eguaveon used the example of banishing Yakubu Aiyegbeni to the bench because the former Portsmouth striker, who was doing well in the Premier League at the time, believed he deserved an automatic jersey whenever he arrived at camp.

Finidi then responded, stating that he would change his approach from now on. He stated that he would no longer tolerate unpatriotic players on the national team. This was when he stated that a player like Osimhen could have taken the risk and come play for Nigeria if he truly wanted to do so. This is according to my sources.

However, I am not sure if Finidi meant to indict Osimhen with this comment. At the time he dropped that line, he was working extremely hard to keep his job and make his bosses see him as a man who can wield the big stick when it counts. He was also looking for a name to balance his thoughts and anger, and Osimhen ended up being the scapegoat.

The NFF did not inform Finidi of their plans to hire a foreign technical adviser during that meeting, which was attended by the Sports Minister. However, he may have offended the gods by revealing during that meeting with the minister that some of the federation’s top guns are Godfathers to Super Eagles players, which explains why they are considered untouchable.

Little wonder that a decision was made behind him to hire a foreign technical adviser and demote the former Enyimba of Aba head coach to assistant coach. When Finidi learned of this plan, he promptly submitted his resignation letter.

His first letter to the NFF was unsigned, so he was asked to withdraw and sign it before sending it again.

*How did Osimhen learn about what Finidi said or did not say?*

It is also worth noting that top Nigerian football officials are on the payroll of Nigerian footballers. I know a footballer who once gave a wristwatch worth more than €40,000 to an administrator on the previous board. I am also aware that every Super Eagles team roster comes at a cost.

Before a Super Eagles team list is released, there are many interests at stake, and most players, except established names such as Osimhen, Lookman, Nwabali, and a few others, arrive at the Super Eagles camp with gifts for their Godfathers.

As a result, these Godfathers will go to any length to please the players. Some secretarial employees keep their ears to the ground and disseminate information daily to curry favours. So it baffles me why anyone would be surprised that Osimhen obtained inside information about what happened at the meeting. He is too connected and wealthy to be kept in the dark.

Now that it has been established based on available facts that Finidi claimed that Osimhen and a few others are not completely patriotic to the national cause, we will judge the Instagram live video posted by Osimhen and pass judgment accordingly.

*Osimhen has no reason to go live the way he did, and his choice of words on the day is unacceptable*

Victor Osimhen is a well-known Superstar. The current African footballer of the year is a Nigerian who is now idolised in Naples. During one of my recent interviews with him in Abidjan during the recent AFCON, I noticed a few diehard fans who had travelled from Naples to Coted’viore just to support the best footballer to have played for the club since Diego Amando Maradona.

Taking all of this into account, Victor Osimhen should be aware of the implications of his comments. He must learn to talk constantly to impress his fans and promote his brand, regardless of his frustrations, obsessions, or irritations.

Second, given his personality, class, and position, he should not always speak; instead, he should delegate these responsibilities, particularly reactions to sensitive issues like this one, to his manager, agents, or trusted friends. It is also important to use appropriate words.

Overall, Osimhen’s singular act has demoted him from the exalted position of an icon in the hearts of his ardent supporters. Attacking your coach in this manner and broadening the attack to include Nigeria and Nigerians is demeaning, to say the least. As a friend who cares about and appreciates your talent, I am making this passionate appeal to you. Please go out there and apologise to Coach Finidi and everyone else who has been affected by your comments and rudeness. Say it for the sake of posterity. Trust me, I would not have done this if I did not care about your present and future. A stitch in time saves nine.