Osimhen TikTok crisis: Napoli REFUSE to apologise for videos

Robin Bairner

Updated: 29 Sept 2023 08:35 BST
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, TikTok — © ProShots

Napoli have issued a statement indicating that they “never meant to offend or mock” striker Victor Osimhen but have failed to publicly apologise to the Nigeria superstar over social media posts involving him.

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Osimhen has threatened legal action against the club via his lawyer for two TikTok clips posted by the Napoli official account.

The first bizarrely compares him to a coconut, which has been taken by some as a racial slur, while the second mocks him after missing a penalty in last weekend’s scoreless draw against Bologna.

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This crisis comes off the back of a public fallout with head coach Rudi Garcia along with fellow star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the Bologna stalemate.

Osimhen was back on the field on Wednesday for Napoli and grabbed what proved to be the winning goal in a 4-1 victory over Udinese in Serie A, sending his side fifth in the table.

MORE: From war with Osimhen to #GarciaOut: Napoli hit by an earthquake, LITERALLY

Napoli’s Osimhen statement in full

Napoli have now issued a response to the striker’s concerns but refused to apologise for the club’s actions.

“So as to avoid the topic being manipulated in any way, Napoli points out that it never meant to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a technical asset of the club,” a statement on the club's website read.

“Proof of this is the fact that the club firmly rejected all the offers it received for the attacker's transfer abroad.

“It represents a fact of common experience that on social media, in particular on TikTok, expressive language has always been created with lightness and creativity, without having had, in the case involving Osimhen, any intention of mockery or derision.

“However, if Victor has perceived any offence towards him, this was not the desire of the company.”

Back to business

Head coach Rudi Garcia, meanwhile, was happy with the 24-year-old’s response against Udinese.

Speaking before the win over Udinese, the former Roma boss said: “We were frustrated after the draw against Bologna, then some awkward things on social media that didn’t help us in the last two days.

“I spoke to Victor, it’s key to have him focused on the game — he’s going to do his best for Napoli.”

Where does this leave Osimhen?

Osimhen’s long-term future, though, is in some doubt. There were already transfer rumours surrounding him over the course of the summer, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea linked with a potential move for him. Tottenham and Newcastle have also been associated with him, although FootballTransfers exclusively revealed the Blues are leading the way.

Napoli were able to fend off this interest, with reports even suggesting that the No.9 might sign a new deal with the Serie A club, but while this has been close for over a month, nothing has been formally agreed and the TikTok controversy puts it in danger.

Osimhen and Napoli, meanwhile, are back in action against Lecce on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League next Tuesday.