Minister of Sports Development John Owan-Enoh says he is committed to ensuring Nigerian athletes are accorded due respect and not discriminated against.

The minister said this on Thursday in Abuja against the backdrop of a video on Napoli’s official TikTok, which appeared to mock Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen for missing a penalty kick during Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Bologna in a recent Serie A match.

Osimhen threatened to sue Napoli FC for the post, but the post has now been deleted.

The minister said the incident saddened him and is exploring ways to always ensure Nigerian athletes are treated with dignity.

He said he was committed to rallying support for Osimhen, Tobi Amusan and other Nigerian athletes who might need encouragement.

The minister said he was saddened by the video and the travails of Tobi Amusan, whom he claimed to have tried to reach last week. 

“Moreso, my office is making efforts to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well so as to understand first-hand what the issues are. We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter,” he said.

Owan-Enoh said his office was working closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Ambassador to Italy and other stakeholders to find a diplomatic resolution.

“I am also in touch with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam.

“Together, we are employing diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more decorous approach in looking into the matter as it is,” he said.

The minister said the Tinubu-led administration would continue to ensure that Nigerian sportsmen and women were accorded the respect they deserved and not exposed to injustice and discrimination.

(NAN)