Nigeria Leagues
Emre Bol reveals strong bond between Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi at Galatasaray
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Turkish football analyst Emre Bol has dismissed reports of tension between Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi at Galatasaray, revealing that the two star strikers enjoy a respectful and supportive relationship.
Speaking on a Turkish sports program, Bol said the Nigerian forward — currently the most expensive signing in Turkish football history — has shown remarkable humility and admiration for Icardi, despite the Argentine entering the final year of his contract and seeing reduced playing time.
“Osimhen still treats Icardi like a brother, like a king. The guy has zero ego,” Bol said. “You’re the star of the team, the most expensive player, scoring constantly — yet he’s so modest. It’s rare to see a player like that.”
Bol praised Osimhen’s maturity and selflessness, citing an incident during Galatasaray’s Champions League clash with Ajax, where the Super Eagles striker passed up a chance to complete his hat-trick by allowing teammate Sane to take a penalty.
“It was the last penalty. Osimhen went and gave the ball to Sane and said, ‘You score.’ Even though it would have been his first Champions League hat-trick, he chose unity over personal glory,” Bol explained.
According to the analyst, the gesture highlighted the team spirit Osimhen has brought to the squad — a quality that has earned him admiration from both teammates and fans.
Bol’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the dressing-room dynamics at Galatasaray, suggesting that rather than rivalry, mutual respect and professionalism define the relationship between Osimhen and Icardi.
