By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
P9O Newsletter
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our investigative stories, breaking news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
  • Home
  • Nigeria
  • Politics
  • Metro
  • World
  • Lifestlye
  • Football
  • 2023 Election
Reading: Children aping Osimhen not racism, says Mancini
Prime 9ja Online
Prime 9ja Online Prime 9ja Online
Aa
  • Africa
  • Business
  • Football
  • Metro
  • Nigeria
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Technology
Search
  • Categories
  • _Football
  • _Lifestyle
  • _World
  • _Metro
  • _Politics
  • _Nigeria
  • Pages
  • _About Us
  • _Contact Us
  • _Privacy Policy
Follow Us
Football

Children aping Osimhen not racism, says Mancini

 During Carnival Week in Naples, Italy manager Roberto Mancini defended children dressed as Nigerian striker and Serie A top scorer Victor O...

Precious John ELIJAH
Precious John ELIJAH February 24, 2023
Updated February 24, 2023 at 4:38 AM
Share
Children aping Osimhen not racism, says Mancini
SHARE


 During Carnival Week in Naples, Italy manager Roberto Mancini defended children dressed as Nigerian striker and Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen.

Adults and children alike traditionally attend the carnival dressed as one of their heroes, and this year, several children chose to embody Osimhen, who has scored 20 goals in 24 matches for Napoli this season.

A user showed a boy dressed in Napoli jersey and blacked up with a mask to look like Osimhen in a video that has received millions of views on Twitter.

The dressing, however, drew some criticism on social media, with fans accusing the culture of racism.

Sabrina Efionayi, a Nigerian writer, took to Facebook to criticize parents for allowing their children to use blackface during the carnival.

“Every time a player with black skin excels in a team (in this case, Napoli), I always feel this tremendous angst over how people think he should be celebrated.

“From Gino Sorbillo painting his face black to show solidarity with Koulibaly, to the children you painted brown in “honour” of Osimhen for Carnival.

“Trust me, it is not celebrating him at all. It gives me goosebumps if you think it is showing solidarity, being amusing or supportive of the Nigerian player.”

Mancini swiftly took to Instagram to hit back at Efionayi’s criticism, posting an image of young fans in their Osimhen outfits.

“Where some see racism, I see only wonder,’ the Euro 2020 winner urged.

“Sport is inclusion and you kids are giants!”

Italy’s approach to racial sensitivity has been heavily questioned in recent years, especially in relation to the popular television programme ‘Tale e Quale Show’, which has seen white celebrities use blackface to transform into iconic music artists and perform as them.

Tags: Football

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share this Article
Facebook WhatsApp TwitterEmail Print

You Might Also Like

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Pinterest Pin
Telegram Subscribe
Prime 9ja Online

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest updates instantly on your email.

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Corrections and Correctives
  • Editorial Integrity
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Funding

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit a Tip

© 2025 Prime 9ja Online Media - All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us