Follow Us on Google
Turkish sports journalist Bülent Timurlenk has argued that Victor Osimhen’s temperament makes him unsuitable to captain Galatasaray, despite acknowledging that the Nigeria international deserves the honour based on his performances.
The Turkish champions are set to appoint a new captain for the upcoming season following the departure of Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, with Osimhen among the leading candidates for the role.
Turkiye international centre-back Abdülkerim Bardakcı is also in contention to wear the armband, having captained Galatasaray on several occasions last season.
Manager Okan Buruk recently admitted that Osimhen possesses the leadership qualities needed to help fill the void.
Although Timurlenk praised Osimhen’s commitment and influence on the team, he insisted that the striker’s emotional reactions on the pitch remain a major concern.
Other News
“While Osimhen wholeheartedly deserves the captaincy, his body language and inability to control his anger in his interactions with referees, opponents, and sometimes teammates, are obstacles to being a good captain,” Timurlenk told Sabah.
“Osimhen plays professionally but with an amateur spirit. The technical staff will certainly want to honor him with the armband, but the practical reality on the field is that Abdülkerim is Galatasaray’s first captain.”
At international level, Osimhen captained the Super Eagles in two of their last four competitive matches, leading the team against Uganda and Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former African Footballer of the Year did not participate in Galatasaray’s first pre-season friendly on Friday, as the Istanbul club thrashed Ümraniyespor 5-1 at Ümraniye City Stadium.
