Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen deleted all images and videos on his Instagram account that featured the team’s uniform due to a public argument with his Serie A club, Napoli.
This comes after a contentious’mockery’ video was broadcast by Napoli’s verified TikTok account, in which Osimhen was publicly derided after missing a penalty against Bologna.
In the backdrop of the footage, a shrill voice could be heard saying, “Gimme penalty please.” Osimhen and a coconut were compared in a later film.
Osimhen has scored three goals in six appearances for struggling Italian champions Napoli thus far this season.
After scoring 31 goals in all competitions for Napoli last season as they won their first league title since 1990, the 24-year-old has established himself as a local legend in Naples.
Osimhen is now in the process of discussing a contract extension with Napoli. His current deal expires in June 2025, and he was a target for Chelsea and Manchester United in the summer.
Just over three years ago, Napoli acquired him from Lille for an initial sum of 70 million euros; this deal is under investigation by Italian authorities.
Litigation Threat
After a video criticizing Victor Osimhen for missing a penalty in the weekend’s goalless draw against Bologna was posted on the club’s official social media, Osimhen’s counsel threatened legal action against Napoli.
“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable. A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted,” Calenda said on Twitter, now called X, late on Tuesday evening.
“(It is) A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.
“We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”
On Tuesday Italian media reported that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is among those being investigated by prosecutors in Rome for allegedly falsely inflating the value of the transfer with four players sold to Lille as part of the deal.
Napoli are seventh in Serie A, seven points behind league leaders Inter Milan after winning just two of their opening five domestic matches.