Gabriel Sara jokes Victor Osimhen is his ‘biggest enemy’ as Galatasaray duo gear up for new season

Gabriel Sara has playfully labelled Victor Osimhen his “biggest enemy”, while insisting the Galatasaray striker is also one of his closest friends as the pair prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Brazilian midfielder and the Nigeria international have developed a tight bond in Istanbul, with their relationship driven by what Sara describes as a fierce but friendly rivalry in training and matches.

Osimhen has become a central figure at Galatasaray since arriving from Napoli, initially on loan before making the switch permanent last summer.

The 25-year-old has delivered consistently prolific numbers at Rams Park, scoring 59 goals and registering 16 assists in 74 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish giants.

His impact has gone far beyond raw statistics. Osimhen has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s recent dominance, helping the club secure back-to-back Super Lig titles and lift a domestic cup, while also emerging as one of the side’s key leaders in the dressing room.

‘Rivalry and friendship’

Speaking to viaLe Marca Sports, Sara gave a humorous but affectionate insight into his day-to-day relationship with the Super Eagles forward.

“Osimhen is my biggest enemy,” Sara said. “We’re just joking around, the level of rivalry and friendship between us is very high. I get annoyed with him, but he’s a very good friend of mine.”

The midfielder explained that the pair constantly tease each other, with their competitive edge helping to drive standards in training. Behind the jokes, however, Sara underlined the mutual respect that underpins their partnership on and off the pitch.

Pre-season focus for Osimhen

Osimhen started Galatasaray’s pre-season defeat to Venezia on Monday but is yet to find the net in the current set of warm-up matches.

The forward will have another opportunity to open his account for the summer when the Turkish champions face Villarreal in their next friendly, as they continue building towards the new season.

With the 2026-27 campaign approaching, Osimhen is keen to sharpen his match fitness and rediscover the clinical form that has defined his time in Istanbul over the past two years.

Galatasaray will again look to the Nigerian to spearhead their attack as they bid to extend their domestic success, while supporters will hope the on-field understanding between Osimhen and Sara continues to grow alongside their off-field camaraderie.