Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has come under scrutiny in Turkey following his visible frustration with teammate Yunus Akgün during Galatasaray’s emphatic 4-0 win over Kayserispor at the weekend. The Super Eagles forward, who recently completed a permanent switch to the Turkish champions after a record-breaking loan spell, was seen gesturing angrily at Akgün during an attacking move, sparking debate among pundits and supporters.
Former Turkey international Nihat Kahveci, speaking on Kontraspor’s YouTube channel, weighed in on the incident, describing it as part of the growing pains of managing a squad brimming with attacking talent. According to Kahveci, Osimhen’s outburst underscored the competitive atmosphere in the Galatasaray dressing room. However, he stressed that the Nigerian would not direct such a reaction towards captain Mauro Icardi once the Argentine regains full fitness. “When Icardi is physically ready, we will see them play together. But would Osimhen shout at Icardi if he doesn’t pass? He cannot. Icardi is the captain, the leader, the king. These are what I call Galatasaray’s sweet problems,” Kahveci said.
Despite the criticism, Kahveci dismissed suggestions of a looming crisis, arguing that the episode reflected Galatasaray’s high standards rather than disharmony. Osimhen, who netted an impressive 37 goals across competitions last season, has already cemented himself as a central figure for coach Okan Buruk. His permanent move from Napoli this summer has further raised expectations, with fans eager to see his anticipated strike partnership with Icardi, a combination tipped to dominate the Turkish Super Lig.
The reigning champions have further strengthened their attacking depth with the arrival of German winger Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich and the continued emergence of academy product Baris Yilmaz. While these additions give Buruk an array of attacking riches, they also present the challenge of keeping egos in check and ensuring harmony in the frontline. Observers believe how the coach manages this dynamic will be critical to Galatasaray’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive league crown.
For Osimhen, the spotlight remains firmly fixed. Loved for his relentless energy and clinical finishing, the forward’s passion and occasional outbursts are seen as part of his competitive nature. Whether his fiery reaction proves to be a mere footnote or the spark of bigger debates, one thing is certain: the eyes of Turkish football will remain on the Nigerian star as Galatasaray continue their title charge.
