It hasn’t been the best of weeks for Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, who has headlined stories he’d rather not over the last couple of days, due to an off-field issue with his club Napoli.

Recall that social media was sent agog a few days ago when Napoli’s TikTok handler decided to upload a video mocking Osimhen for a missed penalty against Bologna, which agitated a handful of his fans and even resulted in his agent threatening to take legal action against the club.

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Even though the video was deleted a few hours later, Roberto Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, deemed it “a serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy [Osimhen] is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.”

Resultingly, Napoli’s social media executive, Alessio Fortino departed the club after just two and a half years, as a consequence of the “Osimhen case,” diverse sources claim.

However, for the first time since the incident, the 24-year-old has finally broken silence in a statement reiterating his commitment to the people of Naples.

“Coming to the City of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me. The People of Napoli have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us,” the Striker said.

“The passion of the People of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride.

“The accusations against the People of Naples are untrue. I have a lot of friends that are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for lending their voices to support and reach out to me.

“I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect, and understanding. FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE.”

What Next For Osimhen?

Undoubtedly, the former Lille forward is one of the best strikers in the world currently, but his time in Italy might just be winding up if the situation doesn’t ‘take care of itself’ totally, as Napoli’s boss Rudi Garcia, expects.

The Super Eagles forward started from the bench against Lecce in the Italian Seria A yesterday, despite scoring a goal in Napoli’s last game against Udinese.

When eventually given the nod, the striker in his wont scored a header from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross for his second goal of the week and 55th Seria A goal.

Nonetheless, Victor Osimhen for the second time since the incident didn’t take Napoli’s penalty kick like he used to, raising an eyebrow at the possibility of the forward being stripped of his PK duties.