Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has publicly advised Victor Osimhen to improve his temperament after the Galatasaray striker was involved in a physical altercation with Villarreal defender Santiago Mourino. The incident occurred during Galatasaray's 2-1 pre-season friendly loss to Villarreal, drawing widespread reaction on social media.
Odemwingie's Reaction to the Incident
In an interview with Brila, Odemwingie expressed his understanding of the emotional triggers on the pitch but firmly stated he does not condone such behavior. "As somebody who has been on the pitch, somebody with experience, I understand that reaction. Sometimes we get provoked, and especially in friendly games, it annoys more because it's a friendly game," he said.
He added, "I don't back this behaviour because my first feeling was, 'Not again.' I've seen it quite a bit. It's happening a bit more often than it should." Odemwingie, a former West Brom and Stoke City winger, emphasized that Osimhen's reactions are becoming a recurring issue.
Advice for Osimhen
Odemwingie offered direct guidance to the 25-year-old striker, highlighting that opponents are deliberately targeting his emotions. "Osimhen needs to understand that he's a threat. Defenders are scared of him, and they will try to upset him and get under his skin. He needs to deal with this and be humble," he added.
The advice comes as Osimhen prepares to lead Galatasaray's attack in their league opener against newly promoted Corum FK on Friday. Despite the controversy, TV100 noted that Osimhen received only a yellow card for the incident and faced no further disciplinary action.
Villarreal Coach's Reaction
Legit.ng previously reported that Villarreal head coach Inigo Perez reacted to the clash, expressing displeasure at Galatasaray's conduct throughout the match. Perez was particularly unhappy that Osimhen escaped with just a yellow card for the gesture, which occurred during Villarreal's 2-1 victory.
The incident has sparked debate about Osimhen's on-field discipline, with many observers suggesting his aggressive behavior could overshadow his goal-scoring talent. Odemwingie's comments add to the discourse, urging the striker to focus on his game and avoid falling into traps set by defenders.
