Victor Osimhen Sparks Controversy After Galatasaray’s 3-0 Derby Win Over Fenerbahce

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen found himself at the centre of controversy on Sunday after Galatasaray defeated Fenerbahce 3-0 in the Turkish Super Lig derby, despite his role in securing the result for the Istanbul club.

Osimhen, 27, made his first start since sustaining a fractured arm, and wasted little time making an impact — opening the scoring after Anderson Talisca had squandered an early penalty. The victory pushed Galatasaray closer to the league title, but it was not the football that dominated post-match discussion.

A widely circulated social media reel captured a series of confrontational moments involving the Super Eagles striker throughout the match — physical exchanges, heated altercations, and robust challenges with opposition players. Despite the footage, referee Yasin Kol sanctioned Osimhen with only a yellow card, a decision that drew immediate criticism from supporters online.

“Scandal — despite all these incidents, Osimhen completed the match with just a yellow card,” one fan wrote in response to the clip. Another supporter described their frustration more vividly: “My nerves never bloody calm down, at this rate I’ll be making videos on ref errors for two days straight.”

Much of the backlash centred on speculation about how Osimhen’s conduct would be received in the Premier League. “He can never do this in the EPL,” one critic posted. “English officials and the media will end his career.” A separate comment echoed the sentiment: “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.”

However, the striker’s supporters were equally vocal in his defence. One fan pushed back against the Premier League comparisons by citing a list of notable players known for combative styles in English football: “I’m hearing ‘this is why he won’t play in the Premier League,'” they wrote, referencing Eric Cantona, Diego Costa, Wayne Rooney, Mario Balotelli, David Luiz, Luis Suarez, and Roy Keane. “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 prominent among those rallying behind Osimhen. “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 user wrote. A self-described Chelsea supporter also weighed in: “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, a move that generated significant interest across Turkish football. His arrival in the Super Lig followed a high-profile season at Napoli during which he was instrumental in their 2022/23 Serie A title win, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals. He has since reached the 20-goal mark for Galatasaray in the current 2025/26 campaign.

Sunday’s result tightens Galatasaray’s grip on the Super Lig title race, while the debate surrounding Osimhen’s style of play and his suitability for a potential Premier League move continues to divide opinion ahead of what is expected to be an active summer transfer window.