As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen has had a turbulent couple of weeks, with his club Napoli in the eye of the storm.
Once again, the forward who fired blanks in the UEFA Champions League tie against Real Madrid in their 2-3 loss is in the thick of things again.
Napoli is being dragged into a potential legal battle with a toy company in Italy.
Osimhen first drew negative press following his reaction to being substituted in the game against Bologna.
It was followed by the Serie A champions recently releasing a statement concerning Osimhen and the TikTok video released on their social media handle.
Napoli made the statement following a threat of legal action against the Serie A champions by the agent of Osimhen.
While the heat of the TikTok video is still dissipating, Napoli have another battle on their hands.
Osimhen doll puts Napoli on the tail of an Italian toy company
The Partenopei announced on Thursday afternoon, they intend to take legal action against a prominent toy shop in Italy.
According to the Serie A club, the toy shop produced an unlicensed doll with an uncanny resemblance to Victor Osimhen.
The doll has a protective mask. It also has the number nine with a light blue jersey and a blonde tuft of curly hair.
The description uncannily is a description of the former Lille striker.
The doll has gone viral on social media, forcing Napoli to seek legal redress against the toy company.
Napoli have announced they will take legal action against a famous Italian toy store for an unlicensed doll that bears an uncanny resemblance to Victor Osimhen https://t.co/b7XgxDqj5I #Napoli #Osimhen #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) October 5, 2023
Toy company has no license to produce Osimhen doll
Napoli argues that the production of the doll by the toy company is an infringement on his image rights.
The doll is dubbed Cicciobello Bomber – meaning Cute attacker and hugg.
The doll was launched by Giochi Preziosi, the company owned by former Genesis Enrico Preziosi.
Napoli says the club did not sanction the production of the doll and is heading to the court to seek redress.
Osimhen might leave next summer
Perhaps this is a situation that Napoli would have loved to avoid, following the recent issues it has had to deal with after the Osimhen TikTok video.
The situation has heightened rumours of a possible departure of the Nigerian striker next summer.
The latest scenario comes on the heels of the Napoli star deleting all his photos, including his time at the club on Instagram.
Whilst these rumours continue to rage, the club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has insisted that Victor Osimhen's future is not up for discussion.
According to De Laurentiis, there is no problem with the contract renewal of Victor Osimhen, as everyone in Napoli is happy.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 weeks ago
