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Osimhen urged to curb behaviour after latest Galatasaray flashpoint
Former Nigeria striker Osaze Odemwingie has warned Victor Osimhen that his conduct is becoming a recurring problem after the Galatasaray forward was involved in a confrontation during a pre-season friendly with Villarreal.
Osimhen clashed with Villarreal defender Santiago Mourino during Galatasaray’s match at RAMS Park, with the incident occurring around the 37th minute of the first half.
Mourino used his body to block Osimhen and prevent him from reaching a cross inside the penalty area. The defender’s actions stopped Osimhen from moving into a dangerous position.
Osimhen appeared to believe he had been held illegally and reacted angrily. He removed his protective face mask before confronting Mourino and pushing the Villarreal player to the ground.
Players from both teams intervened almost immediately, separating the pair and helping to calm the situation. Referee Kadir Saglam showed yellow cards to both Osimhen and Mourino.
Odemwingie, who won international recognition with Nigeria, said the latest incident was difficult to overlook because he had seen similar behaviour from Osimhen on several occasions.
“I don’t back this behaviour because my first feeling was, ‘Not again.’ I’ve seen it quite a bit. It’s happening a bit more often than it should.”
The former striker’s comments followed another heated moment involving Osimhen, who was frustrated by the physical attention he received from Mourino while trying to attack the cross.
The incident did not lead to either player being sent off, but the confrontation became one of the notable moments of Galatasaray’s meeting with Villarreal. Osimhen’s reaction, rather than the initial challenge, drew particular attention after he removed his mask and moved towards Mourino before making physical contact.
Teammates were able to prevent the dispute from escalating further, while Saglam dealt with the incident by booking both players.
Odemwingie’s criticism centres on what he regards as a pattern of unnecessary confrontations rather than an isolated reaction during a pre-season game. His first response to the latest episode, he said, was “Not again”, reflecting his view that such incidents are happening more frequently than they should.
The altercation came during Galatasaray’s pre-season fixture against Villarreal at RAMS Park, where Osimhen was involved in the attacking move that led to the dispute. Mourino’s attempt to shield the ball and block the striker’s route brought the two players into close physical contact inside the box.
Osimhen then took off his protective face mask, approached the Uruguayan defender and shoved him, prompting the intervention of their team-mates.
Both players remained on the pitch after receiving yellow cards from Kadir Saglam. Odemwingie has now urged Osimhen to exercise greater control, saying he does not support the forward’s behaviour and believes it has become an increasingly regular occurrence.
Report by Ade Emmanuel for OwnGoalNigeria.com.
