Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has expressed disappointment with Galatasaray’s performance despite their UEFA Champions League playoff victory over Juventus, which secured qualification for the Round of 16.
Galatasaray advanced after an extra-time win in the second leg on Wednesday in Turin, sealing a 7-5 aggregate victory following a 5-2 first-leg advantage at home.
Osimhen pulled a goal back at 3-0 to make it 3-1 on the night, putting the Turkish side 6-5 ahead on aggregate, before Barış Alper Yılmaz sealed qualification with a late goal.
Speaking live on CBS Sports Golazo after the match, the 27-year-old Nigerian gave a candid assessment of the team’s display.
“If I have to be honest with you, I am disappointed with the performance of the team
“Kudos to Juventus for the kind of display they put up. We qualified, but we have a lot to improve on if we go into the next round to play the big dogs.
“This performance was not really good. Juventus deserved the win, but I’m happy for my team to qualify for the next round,” Osimhen said.
He added, “Some of my teammates were timid. I tried to motivate them — I cannot do it alone. They were scared by the crowd and the way Juventus were playing.
“But I know this team; when you sit back and let them play, they will even do more damage. They even played better with the red card than when they were 11 players.”
The remarks quickly generated reaction on social media, with fans divided over his blunt critique.
While some praised his leadership and honesty, others questioned whether such comments could create tension within the squad.
Looking ahead to the Round of 16 draw, which could see Galatasaray face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur, Osimhen acknowledged the challenge.
“Meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge.
“Anyone we meet now… I wouldn’t say much, but I would like to escape Liverpool.
“But if they come, yeah, we are going to dig it out, but it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
The PUNCH