Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, widely celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess in Europe, has come under criticism from veteran Turkish football commentator Ömer Üründül, who claims the forward’s impressive goal tally in the Turkish Super Lig is largely due to weak defensive standards in the league.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in blistering form this season, notching up numerous goals and quickly becoming a fan favorite. His performances have reignited discussions about his potential move to a top-tier league like the English Premier League. However, Üründül believes the hype surrounding the Super Eagles star is exaggerated.
Speaking on Turkish football media outlet Habersarikirmizi, the seasoned analyst argued that Osimhen’s success in Turkey does not necessarily translate to superiority on a broader European scale.
“Some players in our league should not be promoted too much,” Üründül said. “Victor Osimhen should go. They would hardly move in England or Italy.”
The controversial comments sparked immediate reactions across Turkish and African football circles. Üründül further suggested that Turkish defenders are partly responsible for Osimhen’s goal-scoring dominance.
“Turkish teams have very weak defense,” he continued. “They score goals with ease. European teams know how to defend very well.”
Osimhen’s stats, however, tell a different story. The Nigerian forward made his mark long before arriving in Turkey. During his time with Napoli in Italy’s Serie A, Osimhen played a pivotal role in ending the club’s 33-year wait for a Scudetto. His powerful presence, pace, and clinical finishing made him the top scorer in the 2022/23 season, where he won the Capocannoniere (Serie A Golden Boot) and helped Napoli lift the title under coach Luciano Spalletti.
Before his Italian adventure, Osimhen also had a strong stint in France with Lille, where he impressed during the 2019/20 season, scoring 13 league goals and attracting interest from several top European clubs.
Despite these achievements, Üründül remains skeptical about Osimhen’s long-term impact in elite European football. The Turkish commentator’s argument centers on the perceived gap in defensive quality between leagues, suggesting that forwards like Osimhen have it much easier in Turkey than they would in leagues such as the Premier League or Serie A.
“People need to assess players not only by the goals they score but also by the context in which those goals are scored,” Üründül explained. “When defenders give you so much space and time on the ball, any good striker will score.”
This is not the first time Turkish pundits have been critical of international stars performing well in the Super Lig. The league, which has historically attracted big names like Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder, and Mesut Özil in the twilight of their careers, has often been labeled by critics as a less competitive environment compared to Europe’s top five leagues.
Osimhen, now 26, remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. Despite his current loan spell, his future is the subject of intense speculation. Napoli, under new manager Antonio Conte, is reportedly preparing for a squad overhaul, and Osimhen may not feature in the coach’s long-term plans. Conte is believed to favor a more physical target man like Romelu Lukaku, whom he previously worked with at Inter Milan.
Sources close to Galatasaray suggest the club would be keen to retain Osimhen on a permanent basis, but financial constraints and interest from Premier League clubs may complicate any such deal. English sides such as Chelsea and Arsenal have been previously linked with the striker, and his performances in Turkey have only increased his market value.
In response to the criticism, some analysts have come to Osimhen’s defense, insisting that his track record in France and Italy speaks volumes about his quality.
“Victor has already proven himself in two of Europe’s toughest leagues,” said former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke. “You don’t win the Golden Boot in Serie A unless you are truly world-class.”
Amuneke, who coached Osimhen at the U-17 level, emphasized the striker’s development and resilience. “People forget that Victor had to overcome serious injuries and personal tragedies early in his career. What he’s achieved so far is remarkable, and he’s not done yet.”
For now, Osimhen continues to lead Galatasaray’s frontline with confidence, scoring vital goals as the club battles for domestic honors and European competition spots. He has already netted over 20 goals this season across all competitions, underlining his importance to Okan Buruk’s side.
Despite Üründül’s skepticism, Osimhen’s performances are drawing packed crowds and increasing viewership for the Turkish Super Lig. Whether or not he stays in Turkey beyond this season remains uncertain, but one thing is clear — Osimhen continues to let his boots do the talking.
As transfer rumors swirl and critics debate his abilities, the Nigerian forward remains focused on the task at hand: scoring goals, winning matches, and proving once again that he belongs among the very best.
