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
-
Communities affected by construction of Akosombo Dam urge government to speed up compensation process
14 minutes -
World Cup visa scandal: Sports Ministry not shielding anyone – Sports Minister’s special aide
35 minutes -
World Cup visa scandal: Over 30 people misrepresented as GTA board members to US Embassy – Vincent Assafuah alleges
37 minutes -
Fire destroys wooden structure near Yesu Mo Villa at Bush Road
38 minutes -
NDC threatens sanctions over oversized campaign posters, gives aspirants 5 days to comply
2 hours -
Star Oil paid GH¢2.7bn in taxes, levies in nine months of 2026
2 hours -
Samson’s Take: The rule of law is cheaper before the bulldozer
2 hours -
GRA blames system failure for delay in issuing receipt over passenger’s customs duty
2 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses World Cup visa scandal, beach demolitions, education strikes, BRICS bid
2 hours -
NC-PTAs welcomes end of teachers’ strike, urges parents to prepare children for Monday
2 hours -
Government procures over 2,000 transformers as Ghana’s electricity access hits 89.13% – Energy Minister
3 hours -
UTAG-UG threatens strike on October 19 over unpaid allowance
3 hours -
Let The Constitution direct Chieftaincy to deliver “All Development Is Local”
4 hours -
John Jinapor outlines renewable energy, nuclear power priorities for 2027
5 hours -
Ghana explores centre of excellence for hearing, communication and cochlear implant care
5 hours