John Enoh, minister of sports development, says the federal
government is employing diplomatic avenues with Italy over the controversy
between Victor Osimhen and SSC Napoli, his club.
The minister spoke in a series of posts on his official X
account on Thursday.
Osimhen’s relationship with the Serie A champions has gone
sour after a video was posted on the club’s TikTok account wherein the player
was presented in a way that suggested mockery.
Roberto Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, threatened a lawsuit against the club. He added that the clip could “cause very serious damage to the player”.
Osimhen also deleted posts and photos related to the Italian
Serie A champions on his Instagram page.
Speaking on the development, the minister said he is
“saddened” by the row between Napoli and Osimhen.
Enoh said he alongside Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign
affairs, and Mfawa Abam, Nigeria’s ambassador to Italy, are making efforts to
reach the Italian government “for a more proper approach to looking into the
matter as it is”.
“Over the past weekend, the news coming out of Napoli
concerning Super Eagles player -Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly,” the post
reads.
“My office is trying to reach Victor Osimhen directly as
well to understand first-hand the issues. We are committed to establishing the
facts of the matter.
“Meanwhile, I am in touch with the Honorable Minister of
Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and the Nigerian Ambassador to the
Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam. Together, we are employing Diplomatic
avenues with Italy for a more proper approach to looking into the matter as it
is. Under the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are
committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they
deserve and are not exposed to any injustice.”
On Thursday evening, Napoli issued a statement stating that
the TikTok videos were “never intended to offend or make fun” of Osimhen.
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