Victor Osimhen Sparks Controversy After Galatasaray’s 3-0 Derby Demolition of Fenerbahce

Victor Osimhen’s return to Galatasaray‘s starting lineup ended in victory, but it was his conduct on the pitch rather than his goal that dominated post-match conversation following Sunday’s 3-0 Turkish Super Lig derby win over Fenerbahce.

The 26-year-old Nigerian international had been sidelined with a fractured arm before being named in the starting eleven for the Istanbul derby. He opened the scoring after Anderson Talisca had missed an early penalty, helping Galatasaray to a comprehensive victory that moved the club closer to the Turkish Super Lig title.

The on-field drama, however, was quickly overshadowed by a widely circulated social media video compiling a series of Osimhen’s physical exchanges, confrontations, and robust challenges during the match. Referee Yasin Kol’s decision to issue only a yellow card to the striker drew significant backlash from fans and observers across social media platforms.

One user posted directly in response to the footage: “Scandal — despite all these incidents, Osimhen completed the match with just a yellow card.” Another described the emotional toll of watching the game, writing: “My nerves never bloody calm down, at this rate I’ll be making videos on ref errors for two days straight.”

Criticism of Osimhen extended beyond the refereeing decision, with a section of commentators questioning how his style of play would translate to English football. “He can never do this in the EPL,” one user wrote. “English officials and the media will end his career.” A separate post cautioned: “In EPL he will be decorated with a red card and a lengthy match ban… he was too much, just inviting a sending off.” A third added: “This is why he cannot play in the Premier League. Such arrogance is too much.”

Defenders of the Super Eagles striker were quick to counter those assessments, pointing to a long history of combative forwards who thrived in English football. One supporter listed Eric Cantona, Diego Costa, Wayne Rooney, Mario Balotelli, David Luiz, Luis Suarez, and Roy Keane as examples, adding: “It’s part of the game and for crying out loud, it’s a derby. EPL players are worse. Osimhen remains world-class and does not play dirty.”

Comparisons to former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa were frequent among those who viewed Osimhen’s aggression as an asset rather than a liability. “The last time I saw this toughness from a striker was Diego Costa… Heat up defenders back to back, I love to see this. Jagunjagun,” one post read. A self-identified Chelsea supporter added: “I need this type of player… Sorry, we might not be ready, go to Madrid or Barca.”

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from SSC Napoli, where he had established himself as one of Europe’s most feared strikers, contributing significantly to Napoli’s Serie A title triumph in the 2022/23 season. His arrival in Turkey generated considerable attention, and Sunday’s derby performance — both the goal and the controversy surrounding it — has done little to diminish that interest.

Separately, according to reports, Osimhen also addressed a complaint from Fenerbahce regarding the arm protector he wore during the match, stating that the objection “didn’t seem logical” to him. Galatasaray’s goalkeeper also weighed in following the win, describing Osimhen as the team’s leader whose influence “reflects in how we play our football.”

With Galatasaray pressing ahead in the title race, Osimhen’s form and temperament will remain under scrutiny as the Super Lig season enters its final stages.