Osimhen Under Fire for ‘Coming to Fight’ in Galatasaray vs Villareal Friendly
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has come under criticism after a heated confrontation with Villarreal defender Santiago Mouriño during Galatasaray’s 2-1 pre-season defeat on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the 37th minute when Mouriño used his body to block Osimhen’s run towards the Villarreal penalty area as the Nigerian attempted to connect with a cross.
Osimhen reacted angrily and shoved the Uruguay international to the ground, prompting Galatasaray players to intervene before the confrontation escalated.
Referee Kadir Sağlam booked both players for the incident.
Villarreal coach Inigo Perez was particularly critical of Osimhen’s reaction, accusing the Nigerian and his teammates of approaching the encounter with an overly aggressive attitude.
“There is not much to say about football, because the opposing team didn’t come onto the field to play football, but to fight,” Perez said after the match.
“Osimhen attacked our player out of nowhere and only got a yellow card.”
The controversy overshadowed an otherwise encouraging individual display from Osimhen, who scored Galatasaray’s equaliser just five minutes into the match.
The Nigerian striker rose highest to head in Eren Elmali’s cross after Ayoze Perez had given Villarreal an early lead.
However, Georges Mikautadze restored Villarreal’s advantage shortly before half-time, with Galatasaray unable to find another equaliser.
The defeat ended Galatasaray’s pre-season preparations with one victory, one draw and three defeats from five matches.
The Turkish champions now turn their attention to the Super Lig, where they begin their title defence against Corum on Friday.
For Osimhen, the focus will be on carrying his goalscoring form into the new campaign while avoiding further disciplinary controversy.
