FG rallies support for Victor Osimhen over Napoli’s controversial video
John Owan-Enoh, the minister of sports development, says he is dedicated to making sure that Nigerian athletes receive the respect they deserve and are not subjected to prejudice.
Against the backdrop of a video on Napoli’s official TikTok that appeared to mock Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for missing a penalty kick during Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Bologna in a recent Serie A game, the minister made this statement on Thursday in Abuja.
In spite of Osimhen’s threats to sue Napoli FC, the post has since been taken down.
The minister expressed his sadness at the incident and said he is looking into methods to always ensure that Nigerian athletes are treated with respect.
He declared his dedication to organizing assistance for Osimhen, Tobi Amusan, and any Nigerian athletes who could require motivation.
The minister claimed to have attempted to contact Tobi Amusan last week and expressed his sadness about the video and the latter’s struggles.
“More so, my office is attempting to get in touch with Victor Osimhen directly in order to learn about the problems firsthand. We are devoted to establishing the truth, he declared.
Owan-Enoh claimed that in order to find a diplomatic solution, his office was closely collaborating with the minister of foreign affairs, the Nigerian ambassador to Italy, and other parties.
I also communicate with H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Mfawa Abam, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy.
Together, we are using diplomatic channels to reach out to Italy in order to look into the situation more politely, he said.
The minister promised that the Tinubu-led government would keep working to guarantee that Nigerian athletes received the respect they deserved and were not subjected to unfair treatment or prejudice.
(NAN)
