Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has delivered a scathing account of his final months at Napoli, alleging that he was treated “like a dog” despite playing a pivotal role in the club’s historic Serie A triumph just a year earlier.
Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s 2022–23 title-winning campaign, ending the club’s 33-year wait for the Italian league crown. His remarkable goal-scoring exploits made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards and a central figure in Napoli’s resurgence. However, the relationship between player and club deteriorated sharply in the months that followed, culminating in a bitter separation.
The forward scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances during that memorable season, finishing among the top scorers in Serie A and helping Napoli dominate domestically. His performances were widely recognised, earning him the prestigious African Player of the Year award in 2023.
A summary of his standout season is presented below:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 26 |
| Assists (approx.) | 4 |
| Team Achievement | Serie A Champions |
| Individual Honour | African Player of the Year 2023 |
Despite these achievements, Osimhen claims that tensions emerged soon after. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he revealed that there had been a verbal agreement allowing him to leave the club the following summer if he wished. According to the striker, that promise was ultimately broken.
“The agreement was based on mutual trust,” Osimhen explained. “But when the time came, the other side did not honour it.”
He went further, making explosive allegations about how he was treated during that period. “They tried to send me anywhere,” he said. “I was treated like a dog—go here, go there, do this, do that. I have worked incredibly hard to build my career, and I could not accept such behaviour. I am not anyone’s puppet.”
Osimhen also suggested that a potential move to Juventus was blocked by Napoli, further fuelling his frustration and limiting his options at the time.
Eventually, he secured a high-profile transfer to Galatasaray, reportedly for a record fee in Turkish football history. The move appears to have revitalised his career. In a recent UEFA Champions League play-off first-leg clash, Osimhen played a key role as Galatasaray emphatically defeated Juventus 5–2, underlining his continued impact at the highest level.
Football analysts view this episode as a telling example of the fragile dynamics between elite players and clubs. While Osimhen’s contributions were crucial to Napoli’s success, the breakdown in trust highlights how quickly relationships can sour in modern football, where contractual complexities and strategic decisions often override personal assurances.
For Osimhen, the experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience—transforming adversity into renewed success on a different stage.