‘Gaslighting 101’ - Nigerians blast Napoli for ‘fake’ apology to Osimhen

Ayoola Kelechi 00:34 - 29 September 2023

Osimhen has had a few difficult weeks at Napoli

Victor Osimhen was taken off in Napoli's loss to Fiorentina | Imago

Fans have not taken kindly to Napoli's explanation regarding their infamous TikTok video about Victor Osimhen and have asked the Italian club to stop gaslighting the Super Eagles striker and offer a proper apology instead

Nigerian fans on social media have reacted badly to Napoli’s statement concerning a recently released video of star forward Victor Osimhen, asking for a clear apology from the club.

Napoli post bland Osimhen statement

The Partenopei’s TikTok handle posted a video making fun of Osimhen’s penalty miss against Bologna, which caused uproar all over social media and even elicited a reaction from the player himself.

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Osimhen was apparently taken aback by the meme and showed his frustrations by deleting the club’s pictures from his Instagram account, while his agent threatened to sue the club for the TikTok post.

🚨🔵 Napoli official statement on Victor Osimhen and TikTok video case.

“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.

“As proof of that, during the summer… pic.twitter.com/bSkkW28wI0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2023

Napoli responded to the backlash by posting a statement where they explained the intention behind the video and urged Osimhen not to feel offended, but the statement has only served to make things worse between the club and fans of the striker.

Fans unhappy with Napoli despite official statement

Following the statement from Napoli, fans expressed their displeasure with the club once more, accusing them of attempting to gaslight Osimhen.

Sports Minister Owan Enoh says Napoli's treatment of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen makes him sad, contacts Nigeria's Ambassador to Italy. Image Credit - Imago

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Many fans observed that Napoli had not actually apologised in their statement, instead shifting the burden of forgiveness to Osimhen, whom they believed misread the situation.

In summary, Napoli simply said “if you find the video offensive, that’s on you.” https://t.co/cbhD9fBfn6
— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) September 28, 2023

"we're sorry you got offended over what isn't a big deal" that's basically what this reads as. https://t.co/dTbqZ81LRF
— iyanuoluwa. (@AdeniranIV) September 28, 2023

Why won't they just apologize????
This is crazy! https://t.co/lqOvtE0GjP
— Tunde Young (@tunde_young) September 28, 2023

"We didn't mean to offend you, therefore it's not offensive. We didn't sell you in summer, you should be grateful."

Who wrote this? Piers Morgan? 😂 https://t.co/0e4EPHJcQz
— Alexander (@AMonFootball) September 28, 2023

Mad oo
Which kind non-apology be this??? 😂
They basically said
Wow you dey vex?, mad oo. We no mean vex you, na our guy you be so no deep am. https://t.co/tt0BdHG5sv
— Tas MaiRago (@not_so_slim_tas) September 28, 2023

They are not even apologising 😭 pic.twitter.com/gvmvaJWFUf
— 🕵🏻‍♂️☝🏼 (@DesignbyStatman) September 28, 2023

The self-created crisis by Napoli is now a case study of how NOT to do crisis communication.

First, they crossed a line with a player (a STAR player, no less).

Second, they kept quiet too long.

Third, when they communicate, they don’t apologize.

Fourth, they don’t own the…
— Dante Licona (@Dante_Licona) September 28, 2023

90% Gaslighting and 10% vibes, zero apology
— TIFE🌚 (@TheTifeFab_) September 28, 2023

They never said sorry
— Amr (@_TRANQUILOO_) September 28, 2023

Others have called for Osimhen to leave Napoli immediately, seeing this as a final sign that the Super Eagles striker needs to leave as soon as possible.

Guess that settles it then. Victor should focus on his football and just know that he is there for a job and get on with it.

No love in the city after all.
— Carpe Diem (@Tobiloba_O) September 28, 2023

He needs to come to England
— A...R...I...Z...O...N...A (@_MzJayde) September 28, 2023

He should leave. He deserves better.
— Just_Yemi ➐ (@YemiFirstson) September 28, 2023

He needs to leave the club asap
Which kind thing be this ?? https://t.co/TmbL7RNzh0
— AYOKAY (@Alabikunle6) September 28, 2023

In their statement, Napoli claimed their commitment to and celebration of Osimhen could be seen by their reluctance to sell the striker in the summer, but their commitment could be tested again in future windows, with the Super Eagles star being encouraged to seek pastures elsewhere.