By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has publicly accused former club Napoli of betrayal, racist mistreatment, and failing to honour a gentleman’s agreement that would have allowed him to leave on his own terms.
In a verified interview with France Football, Osimhen said his relationship with Napoli was irreparably damaged following the club’s controversial TikTok post mocking his missed penalty in 2023.
“After Napoli posted that TikTok video, something definitely broke,” Osimhen said. “Anyone can miss a penalty. But Napoli did it only to me — and with certain insinuations. I was the victim of racist abuse and I wanted to leave.”
TikTok controversy marked turning point
The Nigerian forward confirmed the social media incident triggered intense emotional distress and led to a breakdown in trust between himself and the club.
He revealed that he deleted Napoli-related images from his Instagram account in response, a move he said was later used to turn supporters against him.
“I feel sorry for the Napoli fans — especially because I never spoke about what happened. Some of them even came to my house to ask for an explanation,” he said.
Exit agreement allegedly not respected
Osimhen further disclosed that Napoli had agreed in principle to allow him leave but later attempted to control his destination.
“We had a gentleman’s agreement that I could leave in the summer, but the other side didn’t fully keep their word,” Osimhen said. “They tried to send me anywhere. I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I’m not a puppet.”
Clears air on Spalletti rumours
The 2023 Serie A Golden Boot winner also dismissed reports of a conflict with former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, instead praising him for his role in Napoli’s historic Serie A title win.
“They said I had a fight with Spalletti, but that wasn’t true. I have huge respect for him,” Osimhen said. “He made us believe we could win the title.”
Emotional ties remained despite breakdown
Despite the fallout, Osimhen admitted his family had built strong emotional ties to Naples.
“And imagine this: my daughter feels more Neapolitan than Nigerian,” he added.
Background to the dispute
The TikTok video posted by Napoli in September 2023 sparked global backlash, with the player’s agent threatening legal action and accusing the club of disrespect.
Osimhen went on to finish that season strongly but his long-term future at the club remained uncertain before his eventual departure.
Career reset after Napoli exit
The Super Eagles forward has since continued his career away from Naples, bringing an end to a turbulent final chapter despite his historic role in delivering Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years.
His latest revelations provide the clearest insight yet into the breakdown of one of European football’s most successful recent player-club relationships.
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