Why Osimhen was absent at Globe Soccer Awards

Facts are beginning to emerge on why Victor Osimhen didn’t show up in Dubai to pick his award at the 2022 Globe Soccer Award.

Osimhen, 23, was voted the best Young Player award at the gala held in Dubai on Thursday.

He beat Barcelona duo of Pedri and Gavi both Barcelona stars and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde to claim the gong.

However the striker was not present at the ceremony to pick his award and his close associate, Oma Akatugba said he skipped the event out of respect for Nigeria.

Recall Osimhen missed Nigeria’s friendly game against Portugal in Lisbon last Thursday, due to injury.

“His injury isn’t that bad but he wasn’t in Portugal to play for Nigeria as well. He’s been very respectful to the people of Nigeria, because people accused him on social media that he doesn’t want to play for Nigeria and that’s absolutely untrue and bad for a player who is always ready to represent his country.”

“He’s played for Nigeria with injury before and that’s how passionate he is about Nigeria. He sad about the criticisms and that’s he why didn’t go to Dubai,” Akatugba told Napoli based radio station.

Osimhen has had an impressive season for Napoli so far this season, with 10 goals scored in 14 appearances across all competitions.