Serie A champions Napoli were slammed by Nigerians last week for not celebrating Victor Osimhen's efforts with Nigeria at AFCON 2023.
Napoli finally congratulated striker Victor Osimhen on Nigeria's qualification to the AFCON 2023 final, eliciting scathing reactions from Nigerians online.
Pulse Sports can report that Napoli’s wishes came 24 hours after Nigeria's dramatic semifinal win over South Africa and days after the club was dragged on social media by Super Eagles fans.
Napoli and Osimhen
As reported by Pulse Sporrts Nigeria, the Serie A champions were criticised on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) because they had refused to acknowledge the performance of their star striker Osimhen in Cote d’Ivoire.
The 25-year-old has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s impressive journey to the final at the 34th AFCON.
Many clubs have been consistent with messages to their players, including the domestic leagues in Europe led by the English Premier League and Ligue 1 adding their voices to support their players in the competition.
But there was a particular hollow silence from Italian champions Napoli, leading to a backlash from Nigerians.
Napoli post Osimhen
Days after the viral posts, Napoli have finally posted on social media praising Osimhen's performances at AFCON following the penalty shootout win against South Africa.
“Congratulations to @victorosimhen9 and @NGSuperEagles on reaching the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations! “the club posted.
But Nigerian fans have now reacted to the club's message, with many of them believing it was too late and posting dismissive messages while accusing Napoli of not valuing their star forward.
Having snubbed Osimhen after previous AFCON games, Napoli's delayed congrats was seen as disrespectful, especially as Osimhen has led Nigeria's charge amid injury worries.
The Nigerian supporters believe he deserves more timely recognition from his Serie A employers.
Here are some of the reactions from Nigerians to Napoli’s message on X.com
The fallout highlights how Napoli's perceived indifference has damaged their reputation in Nigeria amid Osimhen's AFCON exploits.
Related content
15:00 - 08.02.2024
AFCON 2023: South African students mount guard of honor to Nigerian teacher following AFCON semis victory [VIDEO]
Nigerian teacher given guard of honor by South African students after the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana 4-2 on penalties in the AFCON semis.
14:25 - 08.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Nigerians drag UK OnlyFans star Astrid Wett for supporting Super Eagles
Astrid Wett has incurred the wrath of Nigerians on social media over her recent post.
12:47 - 08.02.2024
Chippa United congratulate 'immense pride' Nwabali on AFCON heroics against South Africa
Chippa United supported Stanley Nwabali and Nigeria's Super Eagles against South Africa.
12:09 - 08.02.2024
Nwabali deserves better than South African league — Nigerians call for big move after AFCON heroics
Nigerians have called for Stanley Nwabali to leave the South African league after his AFCON 2023 heroics.
11:59 - 08.02.2024
[WATCH]: Nwabali mobbed by Super Eagles stars during man of the match award ceremony
Stanley Nwabali was named man of the match against South Africa after his heroics for the Super Eagles in the AFCON semis.
10:55 - 08.02.2024
Gift Orban celebrates Nigeria's amapiano derby win with first goal for Lyon
Gift Orban stole the spotlight as Lyon secured a cup victory on a thrilling night that saw Nigeria Super Eagle win in the amapiano derby.
10:07 - 08.02.2024
Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong breaks long-standing AFCON record
Super Eagles of Nigeria defender and captain William Troost-Ekong has equaled a long-standing record held by the legendary Stephen Keshi.
10:00 - 08.02.2024
FOOTBALL Rio Ferdinand picks sides ahead of Nigeria versus Ivory Coast AFCON final
Rio Ferdinand applauds Nigeria's win over South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final