Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen found himself in hot water after a heated confrontation with media representatives outside a nightclub in Istanbul.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, saw Osimhen engage in a heated exchange with a cameraman and a reporter who were filming him as he exited Tofes 99 Sports Bar in Maslak 1453.
The incident unfolded against the somber backdrop of a tragic hotel fire in Turkey, which claimed the lives of 80 people. Despite the national mourning, Osimhen reportedly demanded that the footage not be published, threatening the media personnel with dire consequences.
“If I see this footage anywhere, I will destroy you,” Osimhen reportedly said.
When the journalists from Posta and Sabah refused to comply with his demands, Osimhen allegedly attempted to offer them a “settlement,” citing practices common in his home country. However, the journalists declined, adhering to their professional obligations.
This incident adds to a growing list of challenges for Osimhen during his loan spell at Galatasaray. While his 15 goals have garnered praise, concerns have been raised about his playing style. Former Galatasaray coach Mustafa Denizli criticized Osimhen’s high number of offsides, highlighting that six of his goals were disallowed due to offside violations.
The nightclub altercation has further intensified scrutiny of Osimhen’s behavior off the field. Critics have questioned his professionalism and expressed concerns about how this incident might affect his relationship with the club and its fans.
Osimhen, known for his talent and goal-scoring prowess, now faces the challenge of navigating both on-field and off-field criticism as he continues his career in Turkish football. This incident serves as a reminder that professional athletes are constantly under public scrutiny and that their actions, both on and off the field, can have significant consequences.