Serie A champions Napoli have come under criticism from football fans following a video posted on the club’s official TikTok account that appeared to mock Nigerian international Victor Osimhen for missing a penalty during a recent match.
Osimhen, who was Napoli’s top scorer last season, missed a crucial penalty that prevented the team from securing a victory against Bologna on Sunday. In the dying minutes of the match, Osimhen was substituted for Giovanni Simeone, a decision that visibly upset the Super Eagles striker, and he expressed his frustration towards Napoli coach Rudi Garcia as he walked to the bench.
Afterward, Osimhen issued an apology to the coach and his teammates for his actions. However, on Tuesday, Napoli’s official TikTok account, which had previously referred to Osimhen as a “coconut head” in a video posted three days ago, shared another video seemingly trolling the Nigerian player for his penalty miss against Bologna.
This move by the club’s social media team has drawn criticism from football enthusiasts worldwide. Nigerian journalist Collin Udoh expressed his disapproval, stating that the video was in poor taste, especially considering Osimhen’s dedication to the club. Udoh suggested that those responsible for the decision to post the video should be dismissed.
Social media influencer Lerry also condemned the club’s actions, questioning whether this was an appropriate way to treat a player who had contributed significantly to ending Napoli’s 33-year wait for a league title. He emphasized that even the greatest football players had missed penalties that cost their teams but were not diminished in greatness as a result.
Frank Khalid, a British entrepreneur and owner of various businesses, including West London Film Studios and Elbrook Cash and Carry, also expressed his concern about the club’s behavior in this matter.
The incident underscores the increasing influence of social media in football and the need for clubs to exercise discretion and respect when handling sensitive situations involving their players.