Cristiano Giuntoli, the director of Napoli, dismissed the controversy surrounding Nigerian Victor Osimhen’s late return to Italy following his participation with the Super Eagles during the recent international break.
Nigeria’s striker was in action against Ghana in the World Cup play-off, but the three-time African champions were unable to secure a place in the upcoming finals in Qatar.
The 23-year-old was unable to play in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Atalanta as they continue their quest to win the Serie A title after a three-decade wait.
The former Lille forward is the last of his Nigeria teammates to return to their clubs following the heartbreak of the Qatar 2022 bid, and his absence has raised eyebrows among club supporters.
Napoli wanted to confirm Osimhen’s arrival in Naples on Saturday morning, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, but this did not happen.
The club, on the other hand, confirmed that the forward, who was suspended for the Atalanta game due to an accumulation of yellow cards, returned to Italy on Sunday morning.
According to football-italia.net, Giuntoli stated that the Nigerian arrived on time and that the club would not sanction him.
We’re not sure why there’s a fuss about this because he was given permission to take time off after international duty and arrived on time,” Giuntoli told DAZN.
“He’s an extraordinary young man and a consummate professional, so the question should be why these things are being reported in the media.” He was given permission, so there won’t be a fine.”
Osimhen has been an important member of Luciano Spalletti’s squad this season, scoring 11 goals in 20 Serie A appearances.
