Victor Osimhen delivered a match-winning performance for Galatasaray on Monday night, scoring both goals in their 2-1 victory over Rizespor. However, his display was not without controversy, as debates flared over an incident that some felt warranted a red card.
Galatasaray entered the game at Çaykur Didi Stadyumu with a seven-point cushion at the top of the table, eager to maintain their advantage after Fenerbahçe’s victory a day earlier.
The first half ended goalless, but Osimhen wasted little time after the restart, breaking the deadlock in the 47th minute.
Rizespor responded swiftly, with Ali Sowe leveling the score just seven minutes later. The game seemed destined for a draw until the Galatasaray striker once again proved decisive in the 86th minute, striking home to secure all three points for the visitors.
Social media ablaze over Osimhen’s conduct
While Galatasaray and Super Eagles fans celebrated the Nigeria international's heroics, a section of rival supporters focused on a flashpoint during the match.
A Fenerbahçe-affiliated X (formerly Twitter) account, Saraçoğlu Sports, claimed that Turkey's highest-paid player should have been sent off for violent conduct, alleging he “punched” an opponent.
“Osimhen, who should have received a red card by punching his opponent, finished the match. Anyone who says there is no structure from this day on is a thief, a fraud!” the account posted.
Galatasaray fans quickly came to their striker’s defense, dismissing the allegations as an exaggeration.
One supporter suggested that Rizespor players were trying to provoke Osimhen into a reaction, stating: “No punches. Osimhen pushes to get away. Rize is also known for making a show. Fenerbahçe fans can swear as much as they want. They couldn't make Osimhen Zidane.”
The reference to Zidane recalls the 2006 World Cup final, in which the legendary Frenchman, reacting to verbal provocation from Italy defender Marco Materazzi, headbutted the defender and was sent off.
While the video was inconclusive, Osimhen does have previous when it comes to violent conduct. In August, he was involved in a coming-together with a fan at a nightclub in Naples, just one of a number of flashpoints in his otherwise glittering career.
