Former West Brom player, Ifeanyi Udeze, has criticised Victor Osimhen for publicly expressing disappointment in his Galatasaray teammates following their UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus.
The former Bendel Insurance defender argued that such comments could potentially undermine team unity and morale.
Osimhen, who scored the decisive extra-time goal to help Galatasaray advance to the Champions League last 16, admitted in a post-match interview that he was disappointed in his team’s overall performance.
Udeze: West Brom star's warning to Osimhen
Despite Osimhen's individual brilliance, Udeze believes the striker’s remarks could create divisions within the squad.
“A tree cannot make a forest. Osimhen did well—we all saw him. Truly, he was the one fighting everywhere, running up and down and putting pressure on the opponents.
But everyone cannot be the same. He said he was disappointed in the team, and he is also part of that team. When you say you are disappointed in your teammates, that is where the problem starts. It suggests you want to divide the dressing room.
Some players will have 100 per cent confidence to play, while others will only have 40 to 50 per cent. So he must be careful with what he says,” Udeze said in Pidgin-English.
Osimhen’s post-match comments
After the 3-2 win in Turin, the Super Eagles talisman expressed his frustration over the team’s overall performance:
“I’m disappointed in the performance of the team—the whole team. We qualified, but I think we have a lot to improve on if we have to go into the next round and play the big dogs. The performance wasn’t really good. Juventus deserved the win, but I’m happy we went through.”
“I'm disappointed in the performance of the team.”
Victor Osimhen speaks candidly on Galatasaray's scare against Juventus pic.twitter.com/7tPdmO2fqi
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 25, 2026
Despite his criticism, Osimhen was praised for his decisive impact, scoring the crucial goal that sealed Galatasaray’s progression to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Udeze warned that public criticism of teammates can affect morale and confidence. Players who feel singled out may lose self-belief, while others may feel pressure to overperform.
The former West Brom defender emphasised that team unity is essential, especially as Galatasaray prepares for tougher opposition in the Champions League.
