AFCON 2025
Former Super Eagles former striker, Osaze Odemwingie has urged Victor Osimhen to better manage his emotions after the Galatasaray forward was involved in a heated confrontation with Villarreal defender Santiago Mouriño during a pre-season friendly.
Osimhen was involved in a physical exchange with Mouriño in the first half after a challenge inside the box. The Nigerian striker reacted angrily, removed his protective face mask and had to be restrained by his teammates as tensions escalated.
Both players were subsequently shown yellow cards.
Reacting to the incident on Brila FM, Odemwingie acknowledged that Osimhen’s reaction was understandable given the physical nature of the game, but stressed that the Nigerian striker must learn to control himself.
“As somebody who has been on the pitch, somebody with experience, I understand that reaction. Sometimes we get provoked, and especially in friendly games, it annoys more because it’s a friendly game,” Odemwingie said.
However, the former West Bromwich Albion forward made it clear that he does not condone Osimhen’s repeated confrontations on the pitch.
“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,” he added.
Odemwingie believes Osimhen’s reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the game makes him a target for opposition defenders, who will look to frustrate him and disrupt his concentration.
“Osimhen needs to understand that he’s a threat. Defenders are scared of him and they will try to upset him and get under his skin. He needs to deal with this and be humble,” he said.
The advice comes as Osimhen continues preparations for the new season with Galatasaray, following his permanent move to the Turkish champions after a successful loan spell last season.
With the Nigerian striker expected to play a key role in Galatasaray’s ambitions, Odemwingie’s message is clear: Osimhen must ensure that his fiery competitive nature does not become a distraction from his biggest strength, his ability to hurt opponents on the pitch.
