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Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen will go head-to-head with Jose Mourinho when Fenerbahce host Galatasaray in the Turkish super derby.
The upcoming Turkish Super Lig clash between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray is set to be more than just a battle for league supremacy featuring Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
This encounter presents a perfect stage for the Super Eagles striker to respond to recent criticism from Jose Mourinho, the newly appointed Fenerbahce manager.
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13:01 - 20.09.2024
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Mourinho's Criticism
Just nine days ago, the football world was buzzing with Mourinho's candid assessment of Osimhen as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.
In a widely circulated video, the former Manchester United manager, known for his outspoken nature, didn't mince words about the Nigerian striker's on-field behaviour:
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"I don't have problems with Victor (Osimhen), in fact, we have very good relationship but every time I play against him, I speak with him because I don't like the way he behaves," Mourinho stated.
"He dives too much, and the last time we played Roma against Napoli, I had this conversation with him."
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Despite acknowledging a good personal relationship with Osimhen, Mourinho's comments about the player's alleged diving have added an extra layer of intrigue to this already heated derby.
Consequently, this top-of-the-table clash in the Super Lig provides the perfect backdrop for this personal duel.
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Galatasaray, with Osimhen leading the line, currently tops the standings with 15 points from 5 matches. Fenerbahce, now under Mourinho's guidance, are hot on their heels with 13 points from the same number of games.
For Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, this match offers a prime opportunity to let his football do the talking in one of the fiercest derbies in the world.
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The 25-year-old, on loan from Napoli, will be eager to prove his worth and silence his critics, particularly Mourinho, with a strong performance.
Nigerian Talent on Display
The match will also be of particular interest to Nigerian football fans, as it features not just Osimhen but also his Super Eagles teammate, Bright Osayi-Samuel, who plays for Fenerbahce.
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This head-to-head battle between two of Nigeria's finest adds another compelling storyline to an already explosive derby just a week after the Napoli loanee faced another Super Eagles star in Olawoyin Ibrahim.
While the match is crucial for both teams in their pursuit of the Super Lig title, the personal narratives add an extra dimension to the encounter.
Osimhen will be motivated to prove Mourinho wrong, while the Portuguese manager will be keen to back up his words with a tactical masterclass against the Nigerian striker and his fellow Lions.
This Istanbul derby promises to be a thrilling encounter, blending top-class football with personal rivalries and national pride. All eyes will be on Osimhen, who is looking for his first Gala goal, to see if he will let his football speak louder than any off-field comments.
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