A TikTok video from SSC Napoli has angered star striker Victor Osimhen and those around him. The Nigeria international is now considering legal action against his own club.
Anyone who clicks on the official homepage of SSC Napoli on Wednesday afternoon (September 27th, 2023) at 5 p.m. will see Victor Osimhen cheering in several photos. Sometimes in the blue home jersey, sometimes in the white away jersey, always together with his teammates, with whom he recently won the Serie A championship.
Everything seems harmonious and full of anticipation for the upcoming game against Udine. Fans are encouraged to come to the stadium early due to increased traffic; the turnstiles will open from 6:15 p.m. Then there are information about advance ticket sales for the following game in Lecce and a few photos from the last training sessions, just normal business on a club website like this.
Counselor: “What happened is unacceptable”
There is no sign of the quarrel between Naples and its superstar anywhere. But there are arguments, very big ones in fact, and that threatens to have various repercussions. The background is a TikTok video from the club that angers Osimhen and those around him.
The Nigerian national soccer player is now considering the possibility of taking legal action against his club, Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda said on X, formerly Twitter. “What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is unacceptable”criticized Calenda.
Penalty missed, voice distorted
According to media reports, a video had previously been uploaded to the Italian champion’s official TikTok account in which, according to his agent, Osimhen felt mocked. You can see the 24-year-old calling for a penalty in the game against FC Bologna last Sunday and then shooting it past the goal.
Because of the distorted and high-pitched voice, many users saw the TikTok video as mocking the Nigerian. The clip spread rapidly on social media. SSC Napoli later deleted the video.
The background is still unclear
“A video mocking Victor was first published and then belatedly deleted”, Calenda wrote. He referred to the process as “serious fact”which inflicts very serious damage on Osimhen and the “Treatment that the boy has recently suffered between media trials and fake news has been intensified”.
The background to the post is still unclear. Last season, Osimhen made a decisive contribution to Naples’ first Serie A title win in 33 years with 26 goals and is actually highly valued there. Photos of him wearing the blue Napoli jersey were no longer visible on Osimhen’s Instagram account on Wednesday.
Discord after a failed summer transfer?
One can only speculate that the possible rift stems from Osimhen’s failed transfer this summer. The goalscorer was initially courted by numerous top clubs, including FC Bayern and Chelsea FC. Apparently Osimhen then favored a move to Saudi Arabia, where both the transfer fee and his salary would have skyrocketed to utopian heights – but Naples waived the money and did not give approval.
Osimhen should rather extend his contract with Napoli, but this has not yet happened. In terms of sport, he didn’t let himself down: he scored three times in five league games. It is very difficult to assess what went wrong between the player, advisor and club during this phase of the desired but then refused change.