Napoli denies involvement with Victor Osimhen’s doll launch

Days after having an uproar over a mocking TikTok video, Napoli and Victor Osimhen are back in the trend after the launch of doll representation of the Nigerian international.

Recall that Nigerian Football reported that Napoli’s TikTok account posted a video that appeared to disparage Osimhen for losing a penalty in their 0-0 against Bologna.

The development resulted in a significant controversy that ultimately led to the resignation of the club’s social media manager, Alessio Fortino after the Nigerian deleted all pictures of him in Napoli’s shirt from his Instagram.

Additionally, as reported in Italy, Osimhen has opted to relieve himself of penalty-taking responsibilities.

However, the reigning Serie A champions Napoli have announced that they have no hands in the production and circulation of a doll in the image of the Nigerian forward donned in the club’s colors with the inscription “bomber” on the front.

Cicciobello is a line of Italian dolls created by Sebino Bambole and Fabricio Gómez, also known as “Chicho,” and distributed by Giochi Preziosi.

The Partenopei have threatened to take legal action against the makers of a doll representing their Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen as a “Cicciobello bomber” translated as “handsome bomber”.

The club further stated that: “With reference to the news, which appeared on numerous online information sites, relating to the imminent placing on the market of a game for children called ‘Cicciobello Bomber’ doll that reproduces the features of the player Victor Osimhen, portrait wearing a uniform referable to the game shirt of the first team of the club – the SSCN specifies that it is an unofficial product, whose realization has not been authorized in any way by the club.

“The Company therefore took action to protect its interests in the appropriate offices.”

The 24-year-old who is earning a weekly salary of $110,000 contract with Napoli is set to expire in 2025, and discussions have been ongoing between the player and the club to extend both the duration and value of the contract.