Osimhen Turns Down Galatasaray Captain Armband During Friendly

(Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit; Daily Post)

Victor Osimhen, a midfielder for the Super Eagles, refused to don the captain’s armband during Galatasaray’s 3-3 tie with Rennes in a preseason friendly at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.

Osimhen was able to leap highest and forcefully head the ball into the net after Gabriel Sara’s well-placed cross into the box gave Galatasaray the lead.

A minor moment involving the captain’s armband unfolded during the second half of the match.

Abdülkerim Bardakcı, the team’s primary captain, was substituted in the 74th minute.

As he left the pitch, he handed the captain’s armband to Victor Osimhen, signalling his wish for the Nigerian international to take over the captaincy for the rest of the game.

Osimhen, however, declined to wear the armband and instead passed it on to Yunus Akgün, suggesting that the attacking midfielder should lead the team in his place.

Akgün appeared surprised by the gesture and tried to persuade Osimhen to accept the role, but the former African Footballer of the Year remained firm in turning it down.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk had previously indicated his intention to make Osimhen one of the club’s captains for the upcoming season, following Mauro Icardi’s departure from the club.