The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has categorically dismissed recent online reports alleging that Victor Osimhen, the forward for the Super Eagles, has been banned from the national team following a social media incident.
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, expressed astonishment at the claims, emphasizing that the federation has not initiated any disciplinary measures against the player nor has it reached any decision to exclude him from future national team activities.
In a statement addressing the issue, Dr. Sanusi emphasized the need for responsible journalism and urged the media to collaborate with the NFF in resolving internal matters constructively.
He stated, “The NFF hereby implores the media to join hands with the body to positively resolve issues and then focus on the big picture all the time, rather than needlessly escalate certain matters.
There was no official communication from the NFF, yet some persons have gone to town to talk about a ban on Osimhen from the National Team. This is not good at all.”
He further clarified the federation’s current priorities, highlighting upcoming competitions such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the remaining matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series for the Super Eagles.
Dr. Sanusi stressed that amidst these critical preparations, maintaining a unified front and avoiding misinformation should be paramount.
The controversy arose following Osimhen’s social media remarks, which allegedly sparked speculation about his status within the national team.
Despite the attention garnered by the incident, Dr. Sanusi reiterated that the NFF’s focus remains on fostering a conducive environment for team preparation and performance.
The NFF’s swift response underscores its commitment to transparency and fair treatment of players.
As discussions continue internally regarding the incident involving Osimhen, the federation aims to resolve any issues amicably while safeguarding the reputation and cohesion of the Super Eagles squad.
Osimhen, known for his prowess on the field and contributions to Nigeria’s footballing successes, continues to be a pivotal figure in the national team’s plans for future tournaments.
His presence and performance are crucial as Nigeria seeks to solidify its position in African and global football arenas.
Moving forward, the NFF seeks cooperation from stakeholders and the public alike in maintaining a constructive dialogue surrounding Nigerian football.
With pivotal qualifiers on the horizon, including crucial matches for the FIFA World Cup, the federation remains steadfast in its efforts to support the Super Eagles and uphold the integrity of Nigerian football at all levels.
