Victor Osimhen has removed most of the Napoli-related photos from his Instagram account after being mocked by one of the club’s official social media channels on Tuesday. The striker’s agent has even threatened legal action against the Azzurri, with tensions simmering behind the scenes in Italy.
There were already hints of discontent between Osimhen and Napoli during the goalless draw with Bologna on Sunday. Distraught at being substituted in the closing minutes with the game still level, the 24-year-old was seen scolding manager Rudi Garcia on his way off the pitch.
Although Osimhen has since apologised to the Frenchman, the strange week in his Napoli career was only just getting started. A bizarre video posted to the club’s TikTok account appeared to mock him for missing a penalty against Bologna.
Edited to show Osimhen appealing for the spot-kick in a sped-up voice, the footage then transitioned to the frontman firing his effort off target.
The former Lille and Wolfsburg star has responded by removing a selection of photos from his Instagram account. The majority of those left depict Osimhen either playing for Nigeria or in his everyday clothes, with little sign of Napoli’s famous light blue shirt.
The Azzurri have now deleted the TikTok video mocking Osimhen, but the damage may already have been done as his agent, Roberto Candela, has released a remarkable statement questioning the club.
Osimhen has become a powerhouse of European football since the start of last season. He fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in three decades, putting 31 goals on the board across all competitions to play a starring role.
Manchester United and Chelsea are rumoured to be admirers of the Nigerian, who was also strongly linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window.
