2022 World Cup playoff: Napoli clear air on punishing Osimhen over late return from Nigeria

Napoli has said they will not fine Victor Osimhen, after he returned late to the club following Nigeria’s failed attempt to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Osimhen played both legs for the Super Eagles as they lost the ticket to Ghana on a 1-1 aggregate.

The Black Stars qualified on away goal rule.

Osimhen’s late return saw him sit out Napoli’s 3-1 victory against Atalanta on Sunday.

Reacting to reports on the 23-year-old’s return, Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli stated that the striker was given permission to take enough time off.

“We don’t understand why there is controversy around this, because he was given permission to take time off after international duty and he arrived on schedule,” Giuntoli told DAZN.

“He is an extraordinary lad, a great professional, so the question ought to be why these things emerge in the media. Of course, there won’t be a fine, he was given permission.”