Audio By Carbonatix
Nigeria’s Sports Minister John Owan Enoh has said his country is pursuing diplomatic avenues with Italy over the mocking of Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen by Italian football club Napoli.
Mr Enoh on Thursday said that he was “saddened” by the news of Napoli ridiculing the 24-year-old striker, who also plays for Nigeria’s national football team.
The club shared a video on their TikTok account of Osimhen missing a penalty, dubbed with a high-pitched voice saying "gimme penalty please".
The club deleted the post after a backlash, but the player's agent has threatened legal action against the club.
Mr Enoh also said that the Nigerian government placed a priority on protecting the welfare of its athletes.
“We are committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to any injustice,” Mr Enoh said.
On Thursday, Napoli released a statement saying that the video was created with "expressive language used in a light-hearted and playful manner".
It also said that it "never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, who is an asset to the club".
Latest Stories
-
GPL 2025/26: Late Kwartemaa strike downs Hearts in Tema
3 minutes -
Ghana Faces Sierra Leone Moment as Prosecutorial Powers come under strain
13 minutes -
Don’t consume fish or seafood from Tema Shipyard until further notice – FDA warns
17 minutes -
Why volunteering might be Africa’s most underrated career accelerator
24 minutes -
ActionAid Ghana raises concern over gender gaps in Feed Ghana Programme
26 minutes -
Windstorm wreaks havoc in Gushegu, displacing nearly 2,000 residents and damaging schools
28 minutes -
Friends of Bridget Bonnie Marks her 35th birthday with donation to Kasseh Model Health Centre
1 hour -
From Ekumfi Kokodo to the Pulpit Stage: Essi Donkor’s gospel journey takes shape
1 hour -
Landfilling waste management creates no value, it’s an economic waste
2 hours -
Photos: Speaker Bagbin Commissions MPs constituency office under parliamentary decentralisation programme
2 hours -
Black Stars technical advisor Winfried Schäfer sacked as GFA shakes up backroom staff
2 hours -
Wenchi water project almost complete, critical to gov’t agenda – GWL MD
2 hours -
Anti-LGBTQ+ bill not part of government’s legislative agenda – Inusah Fuseini
2 hours -
Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Forget the rumour mongers, I’m a man of action, and will pass the bill – Speaker
3 hours -
Women and children among those killed in Sudanese army shelling of wedding celebration
3 hours