Victor Osimhen: Ex-Besiktas boss blasts Galatasaray wingers for failing Nigeria star

Former Besiktas and Antalyaspor manager Sergen Yalçın has launched a scathing attack on Galatasaray wingers Barış Yılmaz and Roland Sallai, accusing them of failing to provide adequate support for Victor Osimhen in the club’s push for the Turkish Super Lig title, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen continued his impressive debut season with two goals in Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa over the weekend, taking his tally to 22 goals and five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.

However, the dropped points allowed title rivals Fenerbahce to cut the gap to four points with just over ten matches remaining.

Despite Yılmaz netting 10 goals in 24 league games, the Turkish winger has registered only one assist, while summer signing Sallai has managed just one goal without a single assist in 19 appearances.

#VictorOsimhen ’s unstoppable form continues today with a BRACE for Galatasaray v Kasımpaşa ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/XBw0oOwgI0

— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 2, 2025

The lack of creativity from the wide players has left Osimhen carrying much of the attacking burden — a point Yalçın was quick to highlight.

Speaking after the game, Yalçın did not hold back in his criticism of the underperforming wingers.

“The right-wing, the left wing — where are they?” he questioned as per Sporx.

“It was said that these are very talented players, but where are they? No, no! You asked what Galatasaray should do at half-time, and I said they need a proper winger.”

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The 52-year-old called on the club to reinforce their flanks in the summer transfer window, insisting that better service from wide areas would unlock Osimhen’s full potential.

Victor Osimhen staying positive

Despite the setback, Osimhen urged his Galatasaray teammates to remain focused as they chase a first league title since 2023.

The Nigerian striker admitted the result was frustrating but praised the team’s fighting spirit.

“I would say disappointment. That’s the best way to put it,” Osimhen told Galatasaray’s official website.

“We fought against an effective opponent. I’m proud of my teammates for their efforts. Football is like that sometimes.”

With 11 matches left to play, Osimhen stressed the need for consistency in the final stretch of the campaign.

“This is a really tough league. You have to fight well from the first minute to the last minute. You can be punished very quickly. We continue in the championship race. We have all the quality needed to win.”

The Super Eagles star also reaffirmed his commitment to the team’s success, highlighting the unity within the squad.

“I love this team very much. I love my teammates very much, too. I want to do everything for success. I want to support them.

“I think my friends have the same mentality, it doesn’t matter if they are in the first 11 or on the bench, it is very important for everyone to fight together.

“We feel united with our coach, as players, and with our fans. Sometimes, even if I don’t score, I mark and help the defense. I want to support my team no matter what.”

Galatasaray will now look to bounce back in their next fixture as they aim to hold off Fenerbahce in one of the most fiercely contested Super Lig title races in recent years.

Osimhen’s prolific form has been central to the Lions’ title challenge, and the Nigerian’s winning mentality could prove decisive in the final weeks of the season.

With Yalçın calling for reinforcements out wide, Galatasaray may need more from Yılmaz and Sallai if they are to end the campaign as champions.