Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has come under intense scrutiny — and strong defence — after a fiery on-field clash with Emirhan Topçu during Galatasaray’s 1–1 draw with Beşiktaş in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.
The confrontation erupted 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, the Nigerian forward confronted Topçu and briefly grabbed him by the neck before teammates and officials intervened to defuse the tension.
The moment quickly ignited social media, with fans divided over Osimhen’s behaviour. While critics accused him of losing his cool, supporters rallied behind the 25-year-old, describing his reaction as a natural expression of passion and frustration rather than indiscipline.
One fan, @Thoysquare, wrote on X, “Zlatan punched teammates, Balotelli fought coaches, Suarez bit people, and they still played for elite clubs. If you think attitude is why no big team wants Osimhen, you’re watching fantasy football, not the real game.”
Another, @EmmanuelNnechi, hinted that the striker may have been provoked by a racial slur: “We are quick to judge the victim for reacting to an ugly, racial comment while sparing the offender.”
Some suggested the incident triggered memories of Osimhen’s 2021 facial injury. “He probably got flashbacks to the foul that made him wear a mask every game,” wrote @Escanor.
Social commentator David-Leo Alabi added a wider perspective: “Football fans love passion until it’s an African showing it. Then it becomes ‘terrible attitude.’ When a Black striker shouts back, it’s temper; when it’s European, it’s called competitive spirit.”
Others compared the episode to famous football brawls involving Zidane, Pepe, Diego Costa, and Luis Suárez, arguing that Osimhen’s case was no different.
The draw ended Galatasaray’s perfect start to the season, leaving fans debating both the team’s dropped points and their star striker’s fiery temperament.
Osimhen, who has become a cult hero in Turkish football, has yet to publicly comment on the incident.
