The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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Tiktok Video: Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli becomes frosty

What looked like a match made from heaven between Nigerian striker Victor Osimhenand Italian giants Napoli is fast degenerating into an eye sour with a pending legal suit already being muted.

Osimhen’s meteoric rise had been synonymous with Napoli’s resurgence, culminating in the end of a 30-year Serie A title drought last season.

The 24-year-old striker played a pivotal role, carrying Napoli on his shoulders with crucial goals and record-breaking performances.

However, this once harmonious partnership has swiftly turned sour, casting Osimhen as an unexpected target of ridicule just five games into the new season.

Napoli’s official TikTok account has become a source of controversy, facing widespread criticism for posting videos mocking Osimhen and overtly disrespecting the Nigerian.

A particular video highlighting his missed penalty in a recent clash against Bologna became a focal point, leaving fans across the globe livid.

The club’s social media antics escalated, with another video mocking the striker and tagging a coconut, further intensifying the disdain.

Amidst the social media storm, Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, took a decisive stance. In a statement issued on Tuesday night via X, formerly known as Twitter, Calenda expressed his dismay, stating, “What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.”

He underscored the severe damage inflicted on Osimhen and the unjust treatment the player has endured in the face of media trials and fake news.

Calenda concluded the statement with a stern warning: “We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”

The tension between Osimhen and Napoli extended beyond the digital realm, with on-field conflicts exacerbating the strained relationship.

During the goalless draw against Bologna, Osimhen was visibly upset, berating Napoli manager Rudi Garcia as he was substituted with mere minutes remaining.

Though he has since apologised for his outburst, many feel the last may not have been seen.

For now, Osimhen has deleted almost all Napoli pictures from his Instagram account and his next line of action is not known.

The frosty relationship between the player and the club traces back to the summer, marked by uncertainty over Osimhen’s contract extension.

Negotiations appeared promising, but Osimhen’s comments after Napoli’s opening Serie A game threw the situation into doubt.

Several clubs in the world including the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and even big spenders in Saudi Arabia all want Osimhen in their ranks as he remains one of the most lethal strikers in the world presently.

His prowess shows why he has been nominated for both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Player where he is the only African considered. The striker’s contract, set to expire in June 2025, now hangs in the balance, leaving fans and pundits alike on edge regarding the future of this once-thriving partnership.

As Napoli prepares to face Udinese on Wednesday night, all eyes will be on Osimhen, waiting to see if the off-field controversies will take a toll on him or whether he will even be considered for the game after all the drama in the last 48 hours.

Premium Times

September 27, 2023
Osimhen, Messi, Haaland, Mbappé Lead FIFA’s Award Shortlist

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé lead the 12-player shortlist for FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player nominees, with England midfielder Declan Rice also nominated after captaining former club West Ham United to Europa Conference League success.

Argentina captain Messi, now playing for MLS side Inter Miami, is aiming to win the award for a record third time having been given the honour in 2019 and 2022.

But despite helping Argentina to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022, Messi faces stiff competition from Manchester City forward Haaland after the Norway international scored 52 goals as Pep Guardiola’s side completed a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble last season.

Julián Álvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and Bernardo Silva make up the shortlist alongside Messi, Haaland, Mbappe and Rice.

Spain, who won the Women’s World Cup for the first time in Australia last month, have four players on the 12-name shortlist for women’s award with Aitana Bonmatí, Jenni Hermoso, Mapi León and Salma Paralluelo all in the race to succeed La Roja midfielder Alexia Putellas by winning the trophy.

Linda Caicedo, Rachel Daly, Kadidiatou Diani, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Alex Greenwood, Amanda Ilestedt, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Hinata Miyazawa and Keira Walsh are also nominated, with Lindsey Horan the only United States player making it onto the shortlist.

Voting for the eighth annual awards opened on Thursday on FIFA.com and closes in mid-October. National team coaches, captains, journalists and fans make up the list of voters.

Arise News

September 15, 2023
Osimhen Shines at AFCON Qualifier; Scores Hattrick As Nigeria Stun Sao Tome 6-0

Victor Osimhen scored thrice as the Super Eagles dispatched Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday!

The strikes took the Napoli hitman’s tally to 10 in the qualification series as the rampant Super Eagles soared over a helpless foe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Osimhen opened the scoresheet for the Super Eagles in the 13 minute when he slotted past the Sao Tome goaltender. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman scored three minutes from the half-hour mark to double Nigeria’s lead.

While Coach Jose Peseiro’s side sought a third goal, the teams headed into the tunnel for half-time with the scoreline pegged at 2-0.

On resumption, the 2013 African champions continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, launching attack after attack.

Their dominance eventually paid off as in form Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi beat the Sao Tome goalkeeper from close range to triple Nigeria’s advantage in the 51st minute.

Not done, Osimhen scored his second of the day in the 69th minute and had his hattrick ten minutes later to take his tally in the qualification series to 10.

Samuel Chukwueze’s introduction around the 72th-minute mark added more firepower to the Eagles’ attacking line. The AC Milan man wasted no time to score.

Chukwueze’s 85th-minute strike sealed one of the biggest wins for the Super Eagles in recent times. Nigeria had earlier defeated Sao The Falcons and True Parrots Team 10-0 in the reverse fixture last June, taking the aggregate score to 16 zero.

With the win, Nigeria sealed their spot as the winners of Group A in the qualifiers for the Ivory Coast tournament billed for next year.

Nigeria played six matches en route to qualification for the competition. They lost one and won other games to finish as group leaders with 15 points. Their only defeat was against Guinea Bissau who pipped them 1-0 earlier in the year.

Channels TV

September 11, 2023
Amusan, Nathaniel Qualify For Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Former World 100m hurdles champion, Tobi Amusan, and 400m hurdler, Ezekiel Nathaniel, have secured their spots at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Last December, World Athletics had revealed the pathway to qualify for athletics at Paris 2024, including the entry standards athletes will need to achieve

Amusan became the first Nigerian athlete to secure her place at the Games. She achieved the feat at the BAUHAUS-Galan Diamond League event in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 2, where she clocked an impressive 12.52secs in the 100m hurdles race at the Olympiastadion.

The entry standard for the 100m hurdles was set at 12.77 seconds.

The 26-year-old has since improved her time, recording a personal season’s best of 12.34secs at the Silesia Kamila Skolimowska Memorial Diamond League event in Chorzów, Poland on on July 16.

Nathaniel, the 400m hurdles record holder (48.42secs) for Nigeria, earned his ticket to his first-ever Olympics by competing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The 20-year-old clocked a time of 48.47secs, surpassing the entry standard of 48.70secs.

Meanwhile, long jumper, Ese Brume missed narrowly missed securing her spot for the Paris Olympics at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, falling short by just two centimeters with a jump of 6.84 meters, placing her fourth in the final. However, she still has an opportunity to meet the required 6.86m mark to qualify for the global event.

She will have her next chance at the Diamond League final in Oregon, USA, which is scheduled to take place between September 16-17. Brume has previously participated in two Olympic Games, finishing fifth in her debut in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and earning a third-place finish five years later in Tokyo, Japan.

Leadership

September 6, 2023
Amusan Suffers 100m World Title Defeat; Says She Will Be Back ‘Stronger’

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan says she will be back “stronger” next year after she lost her world women’s 100m hurdles crown to Jamaica’s Danielle Williams on Thursday in Budapest.

In an interview with journalists after the game, Amusan said it was quite “a journey getting into the final” despite all she had gone through in the last couple of weeks.

“It has been God, my team and my family,” the 2022 gold winner told reporters.
She thanked all her fans for supporting her through the ups and downs, promising that she will be back stronger.

Amusan hopes to get her “medal” back next year.

“Yeah, it’s a tough one; nobody likes to lose but considering what I have gone through in the past couple of months, I’m so grateful that I came out,” she enthused.

Williams, the 30-year-old, who previously won in Beijing in 2015, timed 12.43 seconds to edge out Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico (12.44sec) with Kendra Harrison of the United States taking bronze (12.46).

Amusan and 2019 winner Nia Ali were never in the hunt, finishing sixth and last respectively.

Amusan was cleared of doping violations with the provisional suspension on her lifted ahead of the championship.

Last month, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) provisionally suspended the Nigerian track and field athlete for three missed whereabouts failures.

The suspension was announced after it was discovered that Amusan had missed three drug tests within a 12-month period. This charge carried a two-year suspension term, even if an athlete has never failed a drug test.

Ultimately, the Disciplinary Tribunal announced the verdict which stated, “Tobi Amusan has not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period”.

Channels TV

August 25, 2023
JUST-IN: Spain Beats England 1-0 To Win Women’s World Cup Title

The Women Spanish Team

England’s wait to win a first Women’s World Cup title goes on following defeat by Spain in the final on a heartbreaking evening in Sydney on Sunday.

The Lionesses, looking to become the first England senior side since the men’s team in 1966 to win the World Cup, were outplayed by a Spanish side full of flair and creativity.

Spain captain Olga Carmona slotted the winner past goalkeeper Mary Earps in the first half, after England’s Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield.

England manager, Sarina Wiegman, who has now lost two successive World Cup finals, introduced Lauren James and Chloe Kelly at half-time, but Spain maintained control despite the Lionesses’ best efforts.

Goalkeeper Earps made several stunning saves, including one from the penalty spot to deny Jenni Hermoso after Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh had been penalised for handball following a lengthy video assistant referee review.

But it was one step too far for the European champions, who lost just their second match in two years under Wiegman.

Spain are crowned champions for the first time despite going into the tournament under a cloud of controversy following a dispute between players and the Spanish football federation.

Leadership

August 20, 2023
Reprieve as World Athletics Clears Tobi Amusan of Doping Allegation, To Participate in World Championship

World Athletics has cleared sprinter, Tobi Amusan to participate in the world championship in Budapest, Hungary after she was found not guilty of doping.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU said Amusan did not commit an anti-doping rule violation.

Amusan successfully secured the upturning of the provisional ban slammed on her by AIU for missing three whereabouts tests within 12 months.

The AIU had on 19 July announced Amusan’s provisional ban, but the athlete vowed to challenge the decision along with her legal team, having insisted she was clean and had nothing to hide.

It was gathered Amusan’s case was argued before the AIU panel on Wednesday. After an exhaustive session, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles event was able to prove her case.

A statement was issued yesterday night by the AIU, reads in part: “A panel of the Disciplinary Tribunal, by majority decision, has today found that Tobi Amusan has not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) of three Whereabouts Failures within 12 months.

“AIU Head Brett Clothier has indicated the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is disappointed by this decision and will review the reasoning in detail before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the applicable deadline. The decision is currently confidential but will be published in due course.

“Amusan’s provisional suspension has now been lifted with immediate effect. ” the statement concluded.

This development means Amusan has the go-ahead to defend her world title at the World Athletics Championships billed for Budapest, Hungary, from 19-27 August.

Many had feared the worst following many days of silence from both the AIU and Amusan’s camp, but they was a great sense of relief after the decision from the AIU panel was made public on Thursday.

At last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon Eugene, Amusan stunned fans and opponents alike when she broke the world record in the 100m hurdles semi-finals in a time that was the largest improvement for a world record in the event in 42 years.

She then ran a faster time in the final 90 minutes later, only for an illegal wind to make it illegible.

Interestingly, Amusan has suggested that it’s not impossible to break her 100m Hurdles World Record (WR) again.

In a post in June 2023 on the World Athletics Instagram page, where she was seen training and preparing for the Golden Spikes meet in Ostrava, Amusan declared she could still break her WR.

“I’m a big believer in the Bible; nothing is impossible, and 11 seconds? Most definitely,” it read.

Leadership

August 18, 2023
2023 WWC: End of road for Nigeria as Super Falcons lose to England on penalty shootout

Nigeria have bowed out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing 4-2 to England on penalties.

The round of 16 game ended goalless in normal and extra-time at the Brisbane Stadium in Australia.

But Chloe Kelly scored the winning kick in the shoot-out to take European champions England, who had Lauren James sent off in normal time, through to a last-eight tie against Colombia or Jamaica.

The Lionesses won 4-2 on penalties on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after their last-16 tie finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.

Channels TV

August 7, 2023
Nigeria fights back to stun World Cup co-hosts Australia 3-2

Second-half goals from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria a stunning 3-2 win over Australia at the Women’s World Cup on Thursday to leave the co-hosts in danger of an early exit.

Nigeria defender Onome Ebi (L) and Osinachi Ohale celebrate their team’s victory (Patrick Hamilton)

In front of 49,156 fans in Brisbane the Matildas missed a golden chance to reach the last 16 and instead now face a must-win final group game against Olympic champions Canada.

In contrast, Nigeria top Group B and play Ireland — who are already out of contention — with the knockout rounds in sight.

“We’ve talked about believing in each other and that the success is going to be in the unity of the team,” said Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum, whose team held Canada 0-0 in their first game.

“To think we got two results against two top teams says a lot about our heart and the competitive desire that the team has.

“It’s not always the best talent that wins, it’s the team that works best together.”

Australia captain Steph Catley felt that her side — who actually took the lead and dominated in the first half — had enough chances to win the game.

But she conceded: “They were great on the counter and they finished their chances.

“A lot of things (went wrong). We weren’t patient enough at times and we weren’t clinical enough,” she told Optus Sport.

“We had a lot of set-pieces tonight that usually maybe one or two go in.

“We’ve just got to move on as quick as possible because this is what World Cups are about.

“Our backs are up against the wall now, and it’s not how we would have liked it, but nothing good comes easy.”

– Defensive mix-up –

A Nigeria win seemed improbable after a first period which Australia dominated, although they struggled to break down the Super Falcons’ defence.

Nigeria frustrated Canada in their stalemate and did the same to the Matildas, who lacked the penetration that the injured duo of Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler would have given them.

Australia finally got reward in the first minute of stoppage time when a poor goal kick from Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was picked off and Caitlin Foord’s low cross was met by Emily van Egmond, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

But any hopes of taking a 1-0 lead into the break were dashed in the last play of the half.

Rasheedat Ajibade cut inside and her shot deflected into the path of Uchenna Kanu, who beat Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with a prodded finish at the back post.

Defender Ohale popped up to put Nigeria in front in the 65th minute when she headed home after Arnold could only parry a shot into her path.

Barcelona’s Oshoala, who came on in the second half, then took advantage of a mix-up between Arnold and defender Alanna Kennedy to get between them and fire home from an acute angle.

Australia got one back through Kennedy in the 10th minute of stoppage time but the Nigerians held on for a famous victory.

The 66-year-old American Waldrum afterwards said teams like his needed more funding if they are to continue to compete at the top level.

“Not all the teams have collective bargaining like they do here in Australia,” he said.

“The sky’s the limit if there is investment, and not just in Nigeria.

“There’s a lot of countries, not just in Africa, that need more funding.”

AFP

July 27, 2023
Tinubu Wishes Super Falcons Well As They Face Australia in Women World Cup

President Bola Tinubu has extended best wishes to the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they prepare to face Australia in their second group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

The President, according to a release issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, like other football-loving Nigerians, takes immense pride in the Super Falcons’ impressive performance in the opening match against Canada, a formidable opponent and the reigning Olympic Champion.

He firmly believed that the upcoming match on Thursday will be a thrilling encounter that will culminate in victory for the Nigerian team.

Acknowledging the Super Falcons’ remarkable achievements as a dominant force in women’s football in Africa, President Tinubu expressed confidence that the blending of new talents with seasoned veterans will propel Nigeria’s success in women’s football to even greater heights in this tournament.

He assured the players and the coaching crew of the enthusiastic support of all Nigerians, urging the team to continue exemplifying Nigeria’s spirit of determination and excellence both on and off the pitch, serving as worthy ambassadors of the nation.

Arise News

July 27, 2023
Tobi Amusan charged with alleged rule violation for missing three drug tests in 12 months, says ‘I intend to fight this charge’

Tobi Amusan, the women’s hurdles world record holder, revealed in the early hours of Wednesday that she had been charged with an alleged rule violation for missing three drug tests in the span of 12 months.

Amusan also vowed to resolve the charges against her before this year’s competition, which will be place in Budapest next month.

The 26-year-old Nigerian athlete disclosed this in a post via her Instagram account.

“I am a CLEAN athlete, and I am regularly (maybe more than usual) tested by the AIU,” she wrote, in referencing the Athletics Integrity Unit, which oversees doping issues in international track and is the agency that charged her with the violation.

She said, “Today the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has charged me with an alleged rule violation for having 3 missed tests in 12 months.

“I intend to fight this charge and will have my case decided by a tribunal of 3 arbitrators before the start of next month’s World Championships.”

According to the AIU, an athlete who misses tests within a period of 12 months is guilty of anti-doping rule violation, and the penalty includes suspension for two years, which may be reduced to a minimum of one year depending on the degree of fault.

Missing three doping tests can result in a two-year ban, though exceptions can be made for different circumstances.

At the World Athletics Championships, in Oregon last year, Amusan stunned a still-arriving crowd by setting the world record with a time of 12.12 seconds in the semifinals of the 100-meter hurdles. She came back about 90 minutes later to win the gold medal in 12.06, but that time did not go into the record books because there was too strong a tailwind.

“When I watched the record, I was like ‘Whoa, who did that?’” Amusan said of her reaction upon seeing her time pop up on the scoreboard.

Channels TV

July 19, 2023
Tobi Amusan Wins 100m Hurdles At Silesia Diamond League

Nigerian world record holder Tobi Amusan overcame a slow start to claim victory in the 100m hurdles event at the Silesia Diamond League in Poland, sprinting to a season’s best of 12.34s that equalled the meeting record in Chorzow, Poland.

Amusan edged USA’s Kendra Harrison, who finished second in a time of 12.35s, while 2019 world champion Nia Ali of the USA finished third in 12.38s.

The Commonwealth Gold Medalist produced a strong finish to win the highly competitive women’s 100m hurdles ahead of her rivals for next month’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

She said it was not an easy race as she is battling injuries in her hamstring and knee.

In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, the world record holder basked in her new victory.

“One race at a time, my coach has always told me that, and I’m happy to have finished here with another season’s best and the meeting record,” she said.

“All Glory to God and a big shout out (to) my coach and my entire team as well as my ever-supportive fans.”

July 16, 2023