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By Ebenezer Bajela.
Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen says he is ready to be actively involved in the fight against racism, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
During the past year, incidents of racial abuse in football have sharply risen, while many experts believe that it mirrors an alarming rise of xenophobia, racism and intolerance globally.
Various awareness campaigns against racism and discrimination are already in place, including the pre-match taking of the knee, occasional social media boycotts, “Kick It Out” billboards, just to mention a few, but the Nigeria international wants to move beyond just awareness.
Osimhen has become a hero to the young fans of Napoli, many of whom try to emulate their icon by copying his protective mask and bleached hair, though some also tried a bit too hard and ‘blacked up’ for carnival.
The 24-year-old striker was asked about the issue of racism and what can be done about it in 2023.
“I will use everything at my disposal to defeat racism,” he was quoted as saying by Football Italia.
“It is not nice to be judged by the colour of your skin. Every parent must make their children understand it is wrong.
“My partner is white, so are many of my friends and I love them all. This racism has to end because it psychologically damages so many kids.”
Osimhen is enjoying one of the best moments of his career with Napoli this season as he currently tops the Italian Serie A scorers chart with 21 goals, seven more than Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who is in second position with 14 goals.