Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside has criticized Victor Osimhen’s social media outburst as “irresponsible” and called for his removal from the national team.
Recall that Osimhen, in an Instagram live video on Saturday, attacked Finidi George just before the latter stepped down as Super Eagles head coach.
Finidi, unveiled in May, faced challenges managing the senior national team after drawing with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
However, after missing both of Nigeria’s games, Osimhen, in the video stated that Finidi lost his respect by not allowing him to stay with the team in camp before the qualifiers, among others.
After Osimhen’s outburst, former Nigerian international Peterside voiced his disappointment with the Napoli star, and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take action to curb similar actions in the future.
He said, “I think action should be taken, or he should be banned from playing for the national team. If we allow this kind of thing to continue, it would not augur well for Nigeria. The men who have served and given everything to our great country. So sanity must be brought to our football.”
Peterside also called on Osimhen to apologize for his actions.
“He (Osimhen) needs to come outside and apologize for the things he said to Finidi, Peterside said on social media.
“Finidi George is a legend, You don’t just widen your mouth and say things that are unpalatable. If you have issues with the man, pick up your phone and call him. That’s what responsible people do.
“Osimhen has just shown a bit of irresponsibility, and that’s unexpected. I think the NFF should call Osimhen and ask him to apologize. He has to apologize for saying things.”
“Our national team is sacred; days when we wore the jersey, we respected it, and people that went before us. He’s not the first, and neither would he be the last. He should come out openly and apologize openly to former footballers, NFF, Finidi, and Nigerians.”
