Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has received widespread support from fans after his on-field altercation with Emirhan Topçu during Galatasaray’s 1–1 draw with Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
The incident occurred in the 39th minute at RAMS Park, when Osimhen appeared to be fouled in an aerial duel, but referee Yasin Kol waved play on. Frustrated by the decision, the Nigerian forward confronted Topçu and momentarily grabbed him by the neck before players from both sides stepped in to defuse the tension.
The clash has since triggered an intense debate among supporters and pundits. While some criticised Osimhen’s reaction, many fans came to his defence, describing the outburst as a show of passion rather than indiscipline.
A user named Thoysquare wrote on X, “Zlatan punched teammates, Balotelli fought coaches, Suarez bit humans — and they still played for elite clubs. If you think attitude is why no big team wants him, you’re watching fantasy football.”
Another fan, Emmanuel Nnechi, hinted that Osimhen might have faced provocation, saying, “We are quick to condemn the victim for reacting to a racial slur while sparing the offender.”
Escanor added context to the striker’s emotional reaction: “He lost his temper because it was similar to the foul that caused his face injury — probably got flashbacks and lost his head.”
In a lengthy post, Josh compared Osimhen’s situation to other football icons: “Pepe almost injured Messi, Zidane headbutted Materazzi, Gattuso shoved a coach, Cantona kicked a fan, Suarez bit Ivanovic — but when it’s Osimhen, everyone suddenly becomes moral police.”
Prominent X user David-Leo Alabi offered a broader perspective, saying, “Osimhen’s only ‘crime’ is playing with raw emotion. Football loves passion until it’s an African showing it. When a Black striker reacts, it’s ‘temper’; when a European does, it’s ‘competitive spirit’.”
He added, “You don’t want hunger and hate the heat. The same fire that wins games sometimes burns hot.”
Others like Lamemzy and Vikel echoed similar sentiments, arguing that aggression and emotion are part of football. “Ramos, Diego Costa, Casemiro — all did worse,” Lamemzy wrote, while Vikel added, “Most top players have done worse and are still celebrated today. You just want to tarnish a talented Black player’s image for nothing.”
Despite the controversy, Osimhen’s passion and competitive drive continue to endear him to many fans, who view his fiery personality as part of what makes him one of Africa’s most formidable footballers.
The draw ended Galatasaray’s perfect start to the Turkish Super Lig season, having won all seven of their opening league fixtures.
Credit: Puch Sports Extra