By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has revealed he was left completely disoriented after suffering racist abuse and discriminatory treatment during his turbulent spell at Napoli FC, accusing the club’s hierarchy of dehumanizing him at the height of their dispute.
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian striker said the experience deeply affected him emotionally, claiming Napoli’s management “treated him like a dog” after allegedly failing to honor key aspects of his transfer agreement.
Osimhen’s comments offer a disturbing insight into the breakdown of his relationship with the Italian champions, where he rose to global prominence but also endured one of the most controversial episodes of his career.
The crisis stemmed largely from an internal club controversy rather than solely from opposing supporters. The most explosive flashpoint came when Napoli’s official social media account posted a video widely condemned as mocking and discriminatory toward the African star, sparking outrage and creating a deep rift between the player and the club.
Sources close to the situation said the fallout left Osimhen feeling isolated and disrespected, despite his crucial role in Napoli’s historic success, including firing them to their first league title in over three decades.
The forward admitted the ordeal left him shaken and struggling to process the situation at the time.
Osimhen, who remains one of Africa’s most valuable and influential football exports, has since rebuilt his focus, but his revelations have reignited debate over player welfare, racism, and respect for foreign athletes in European football.
His testimony adds to growing calls for stronger protections for players facing discrimination, especially those who play pivotal roles for their clubs yet find themselves at the center of controversy beyond the pitch.
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