Victor Osimhen Clarifies Decision Not to Celebrate Goal in Dramatic Juventus Clash
Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has provided a detailed explanation for his subdued reaction after scoring a crucial goal for Galatasaray against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. The match, held on February 25, 2026, saw Galatasaray secure a nail-biting 7-5 aggregate victory to advance to the Round of 16, but Osimhen's lack of celebration sparked widespread curiosity among fans and analysts.
Galatasaray's Thrilling Comeback and Osimhen's Pivotal Role
In a high-stakes encounter, Galatasaray initially built a commanding lead by defeating Juventus 5-2 in the first leg in Istanbul. However, the Italian giants mounted a fierce comeback in the second leg at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, winning 3-0 in regular time to level the aggregate score at 5-5 and force extra time. Osimhen, who played through an injury, broke the deadlock in the 106th minute with a goal that ignited Galatasaray's resurgence, followed by Baris Alper Yilmaz's strike that sealed their progression.
Osimhen's Reasons for Not Celebrating
During the post-match press conference, Osimhen elaborated on his decision not to celebrate the goal. He emphasized that it was a gesture of respect towards Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, who has played a significant role in his career development. Additionally, Osimhen expressed dissatisfaction with Galatasaray's overall performance, particularly given that Juventus were reduced to 10 men during the match.
"I didn't celebrate the goal because there was no need to. Spalletti has an important place in my career, and besides, we were playing poorly against an opponent down to 10 men," Osimhen stated, as reported by Nexus Sport.
Critique of Team Performance and Call for Improvement
Osimhen did not hold back in his assessment of Galatasaray's display, acknowledging that Juventus deserved praise for their efforts. In an interview with CBS Sports Golazo, he highlighted the need for substantial improvements if the team hopes to compete effectively in the later stages of the Champions League.
"I'm disappointed in the performance of the team, the whole team, and I have to give kudos to Juventus for the kind of display that they put on. Yeah, we qualified, but we have a lot to improve on if we are to go into the next round and play the big teams. This performance today was not really good. Juventus deserved the win, but I'm happy for my team to qualify for the next round," he remarked.
Recognition and Dedication to Fans
Despite the criticism, Osimhen was named the official Man of the Match for his impactful contribution. He dedicated the victory to Galatasaray's loyal supporters, praising their unwavering encouragement throughout the challenging moments of the game. In a statement to GS TV, he expressed gratitude for their role in the team's success.
"Even in the most difficult moments, the fans were with us. Galatasaray fans deserve this happiness to the fullest. Even when we were behind, they never stopped supporting us. We can say that we advanced to the next round thanks to them. We will continue to work. We need their support very much. We have a long way to go, but we are sure that they will be with us every step of the way," Osimhen affirmed.
Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stage
With Galatasaray now through to the Round of 16, attention turns to the upcoming draw scheduled for Friday. Reports from Fanatik suggest that the Turkish side could potentially face English powerhouses such as Tottenham or Liverpool in the next phase, setting the stage for more thrilling European football action.
Notable Interaction with Thierry Henry
In a lighter moment, the match was also marked by an exchange between Osimhen and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who greeted the Nigerian forward in Pidgin before his post-match interview. This interaction delighted fans and highlighted the global appeal of Osimhen's rising profile in the sport.
As Galatasaray prepares for the challenges ahead, Osimhen's candid reflections underscore both the personal and team dynamics at play in elite football, offering insights into the mindset of one of Africa's top talents on the international stage.
