Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has strongly denied allegations of assaulting a Turkish journalist, calling the claims untrue and vowing to pursue legal action. The Nigerian striker, currently on loan from Napoli, described the accusations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image.
The controversy erupted after Galatasaray’s narrow 1-0 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday, where Osimhen scored the decisive penalty. Shortly after the game, reports surfaced alleging that Osimhen had punched a journalist who attempted to photograph him without permission.
Osimhen’s Response
Speaking to reporters after the match, Osimhen firmly denied the allegations. He explained that the encounter occurred when paparazzi approached him unannounced as he returned to his van after dining with friends.
“I went to eat with my friends, and as I was returning to my van, these guys suddenly appeared with a camera in my face,” Osimhen said. “I was shocked and asked them what they wanted. They didn’t respond and just kept flashing the camera.”
The 25-year-old striker insisted he did not resort to violence but merely demanded that the photographers delete the pictures.
“I never hit anyone,” he clarified. “I approached them and told them they needed permission for an interview or photos. I asked them to delete the pictures because I have every right to protect my privacy. But I did not punch anyone.”
Osimhen also expressed his frustration at what he described as a pattern of false narratives surrounding his career.
“I am not new to this kind of thing. People lie and create stories. If I hit him, let justice take its course. But if he is lying, he will face the law,” Osimhen stated.
Journalist’s Allegations
The journalist at the center of the controversy, Tolga Bozduman of Posta, alleged that Osimhen became aggressive when the camera flashes went off.
“Three colleagues and I were outside capturing images of Osimhen,” Bozduman recounted. “When the camera flashed, he snapped. He charged at me, tried to grab my camera, and punched me in the head. My right side still hurts.”
Bozduman further claimed that Osimhen offered money to delete the footage and threatened them when they refused.
“He swore at us and said, ‘I will destroy you,’” the journalist alleged.
The Video Evidence
A video of the incident has circulated online, showing Osimhen engaged in a verbal confrontation with the paparazzi. However, the footage does not clearly indicate any physical altercation.
Osimhen pointed to the video as evidence of his innocence, reiterating that he had only spoken to the photographers and asked them to respect his privacy.
Background on Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, known for his goal-scoring prowess and dynamic play. The striker made headlines last season as the top scorer in Serie A, helping Napoli secure their first league title in over three decades.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan in the summer of 2024 after a high-profile fallout with Napoli. His move to Turkey has been marked by stellar performances, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for both club and country.
However, the incident in Turkey adds to a list of challenges the player has faced off the pitch, including public scrutiny and rumors in the media.
Privacy vs. Public Attention
The incident also highlights the ongoing tension between athletes and the media, particularly paparazzi. While public figures are accustomed to media attention, they often struggle to maintain their privacy in personal moments.
In Osimhen’s case, the confrontation appears to stem from a clash between his desire for privacy and the paparazzi’s quest for exclusive content.
Legal Actions Loom
Osimhen has vowed to take legal steps to address the allegations, maintaining his innocence and urging the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
“If I did something wrong, let justice prevail. But if the journalist is lying, he must face the consequences,” Osimhen said.
The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, especially for athletes who frequently interact with the media.
Public Reactions
The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some fans have rallied behind Osimhen, praising him for standing up for his rights, others have called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
Nigerians, in particular, have expressed concern about the growing trend of false accusations against their sports stars abroad. Many see Osimhen as a role model and hope the allegations will not affect his focus on football.
The Bigger Picture
This incident adds to the growing conversation about the treatment of athletes in public spaces. While they are admired for their talents, the pressure of constant media attention can take a toll on their mental health and personal lives.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on how Turkish authorities handle the allegations and whether the matter will affect Osimhen’s standing at Galatasaray and beyond.
For now, the striker remains focused on his career, determined to clear his name and continue making headlines for his performances on the pitch rather than controversies off it.
