Osimhen turns down Galatasaray captaincy during Rennes draw

Victor Osimhen declined the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband during Galatasaray’s 3-3 pre-season draw with French side Rennes at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park on Sunday, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Nigeria international scored Galatasaray’s opening goal, rising above the Rennes defence to head Gabriel Sara’s inviting corner into the net.

The incident involving the captaincy took place in the second half, after Galatasaray’s substantive captain, Abdulkerim Bardakcı, was replaced in the 74th minute.

As Bardakcı left the pitch, he handed the armband to Osimhen and indicated that the striker should lead the team for the remainder of the match. Osimhen, however, chose not to put it on.

Instead, he passed the armband to Yunus Akgun, suggesting that the attacking midfielder should take over as captain.

Akgun appeared surprised by Osimhen’s decision and attempted to persuade him to accept the responsibility. The former African Footballer of the Year nevertheless maintained his refusal and continued without wearing the armband.

The moment was notable because Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has previously said he wants Osimhen to become one of the club’s captains for the upcoming season.

Buruk’s comments came after the departure of Mauro Icardi, who had been among the club’s leading figures. Despite the manager’s stated plans, Osimhen did not take up the captaincy when the opportunity arose against Rennes.

Galatasaray’s match against the French opponents ended 3-3, with Osimhen’s header providing the opening goal after Sara delivered the set-piece into the penalty area.

The friendly formed part of Galatasaray’s preparations for the new campaign and was staged at the club’s home ground, the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.

Osimhen’s decision came in a match in which he was already prominent on the scoresheet, but the striker opted to leave the leadership role to Akgun rather than wear the armband himself.

Bardakcı remains Galatasaray’s substantive captain, while Buruk has indicated that Osimhen could be included among the club’s captains next season. The forward’s refusal during Sunday’s friendly means the issue briefly became a talking point during an otherwise competitive pre-season encounter.