The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says the decision not to ban Victor Osimhen from the Super Eagles was influenced by the minister for sports senator John Enoh, OwngoalNigeria.com reports.
Osimhen lashed out at the former coach of the team Finidi George in response to reports that the coach questioned his commitment to the team, after he pulled out of the world cup qualifiers games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively due to an injury.
The Napoli forward unleashed his anger over the report in a live video on his Instagram account , and despite a call from the coach to explain that the report is false he has refused to tender an apology leading to calls for the NFF ban him from the team.
A source at the football house told the Guardian that they were on the verge of slamming a suspension and a fine on the 25 year old before the intervention by the minister.
“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are unhappy with Osimhen for that outburst which has put him in a bad light before Nigerians. It came at a time Nigeria was struggling to pick its first win in the World Cup qualifiers.
“I must confess to you that the NFF hierarchy was stunned by Osimhen’s actions, and it took the timely intervention of Sports Minister, Senator Owan Eno to forestall any escalation.
“Osimhen is yet to tender any formal apology to Finidi, NFF, and Nigerians for his rants,” a top NFF officials was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
