SSC Napoli Sporting Director Reveals Nigerian Government’s Role In Osimhen TikTok Crisis

SSC Napoli Sporting Director Reveals Nigerian Government’s Role In Osimhen TikTok Crisis

Sampson Adedeji

Sporting Director of SSC Napoli, Mauro Meluso, has opened up on the controversial TikTok incident involving Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, revealing that a representative of the Nigerian government intervened during the crisis, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The incident, which stemmed from a TikTok video posted by the club, sparked widespread reactions on social media, with allegations of racism directed at the Serie A side.

Speaking to Radio Napoli Centrale, Meluso disclosed that the situation had a significant emotional and media impact on Osimhen.

“Regarding the TikTok video case, I remember that Nicola Lombardo and I calmed Osimhen down, he was furious the day after the video was released. We were accused of racism, but there was absolutely no intention of targeting one of our own players, it was meant to be ironic,” Meluso said.

The club director stressed that Napoli strongly rejects all forms of racism and maintained that there was no deliberate attempt to offend the Nigerian international.

“Osimhen took it very badly, but woe betide anyone who would use racist language. Napoli rejects all forms of racism. 

"The people of the city as well I have great respect for Neapolitan fans. I believe they are mature and understand situations, as shown by that banner,” he added.

Meluso further revealed that the involvement of a Nigerian government representative escalated the matter.

“That TikTok video affected him deeply, also because a Nigerian government representative intervened with strong statements. It had a media and personal impact. 

For me, there was no intent to offend him, but someone instrumentalized the situation and certainly not his agent, Calenda, who was always very correct,” he concluded.

The controversy had dominated headlines at the time, raising questions about player-club relations and the broader issue of racism in football, before tensions were eventually eased.