Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen has been informed that Fenerbahce could be the mastermind of his recent troubles in Istanbul, Soccernet.ng understands.
Nigerian forward Osimhen has reportedly reacted to insider information linking Fenerbahce to the controversy surrounding an alleged physical altercation involving a journalist.
The Galatasaray striker has strongly refuted claims that he punched Turkish journalist Tolga Bozduman following a night out and instead vowed to take legal action against those behind the allegations.
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The incident has caused a stir in Turkey after Bozduman accused Osimhen of assaulting him outside a nightclub following a 3-3 draw with Dinamo Kyiv.
Bozduman claimed the Super Eagles striker became enraged after the journalist took photographs, with the 26-year-old reportedly trying to grab his camera before allegedly striking him in the head.
The Posta journalist also alleged that Osimhen offered money to delete the pictures, and when the offer was refused, he issued threats to “ruin” the journalist if the images were published.
Osimhen has denied the accusations, claiming he was dining at an African restaurant with friends, including fellow Nigeria international Kenneth Omeruo, when the incident occurred.
According to the Nigeria international, the paparazzi appeared out of nowhere and began taking pictures without permission.
Osimhen stated that he was shocked by the intrusion and politely requested that the photos be deleted.
“I was never at a nightclub,” Osimhen clarified in an interview with Turkish journalist Enes Cevahirci. “Me and my friends went to an African restaurant for dinner. Afterwards, as we were looking at my friend's new car, these guys just appeared with a camera in my face. I asked, ‘What is the problem?' They didn’t respond, just kept taking pictures.”
Osimhen also explained that when his friends intervened, asking the journalists to act professionally, he reiterated his request to delete the photos, stressing his right to do so.
“I never punched this guy,” he added. “I simply told him to take down the picture. It's my image, and I have every right to ask him to remove it.”
Fenerbahçe's involvement in the matter has been suggested by some Galatasaray insiders, with reports indicating that Acun Ilıcalı, the Vice President of Fenerbahçe and owner of Hull City and NK Maribor, may be behind the tactics intended to destabilize Osimhen.
It is believed that Ilıcalı, a media mogul with influence in Turkish football, could have hired individuals to track Osimhen’s movements and exploit any weaknesses.
A source from Galatasaray explained as per Fotospor:
“A manager of our rival club (Acun Ilıcalı) is a media mogul. He may be hiring people just to follow you and find your weaknesses. Their goal is to make you unhappy and uncomfortable and to kidnap you.”
When informed of Fenerbahce's likely involvement, Osimhen simply expressed his determination to remain unaffected by the off-field drama, stating,
“I’m sure this was done to me intentionally. It would have been done in Italy too. But they only tried to get into my car. They (Turkish journalists) literally harassed me. I’ve never seen anything like it, which is why I will be suing.”
He further added that Fenerbahçe’s efforts to destabilize him have only made him more focused.
“I would like to thank them,” Osimhen said, “They’ve made me concentrate even more.”
Despite the pressure, Osimhen remains focused on his performances at Galatasaray, where he has been in blistering form, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists. He has played a pivotal role in propelling the club to the top of the Süper Lig, with Galatasaray currently six points clear of bitter rivals Fenerbahçe.
