Former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie has explained why defenders try to provoke Victor Osimhen during matches after the Galatasaray forward clashed with Villarreal defender Santiago Mouriño.
Osimhen scored Galatasaray’s goal in their 2-1 pre-season defeat to Villarreal before the confrontation in the 37th minute. Mouriño and Osimhen became involved in a physical exchange, with the referee showing both players yellow cards.
Odemwingie Explains Why Defenders Target Osimhen
Odemwingie said Osimhen’s threat in front of goal makes him a target for defenders who want to disrupt his concentration.
“Osimhen needs to understand that he’s a threat. Defenders are scared of him, and they will try to upset him and get under his skin.”
The former Nigeria international said Osimhen must recognise when opponents attempt to draw him into confrontations because such incidents can take his attention away from the game.
Osimhen May Have Been Provoked
At the same time, Odemwingie said Osimhen’s reaction should be considered alongside what happened before the confrontation.
The former West Bromwich Albion forward said his experience as a player helped him understand situations where opponents deliberately provoke strikers.
“Sometimes we get provoked, and especially in friendly games, it annoys more because it’s a friendly game.”
Peter Odemwingie also suggested that something may have happened before the physical exchange between the two players.
Odemwingie Raises Concern Over Repeated Incidents
Odemwingie nevertheless criticised Osimhen’s involvement in another on-field confrontation and said the pattern needs to stop.
“I don’t back this behaviour because my first feeling was, ‘Not again.’ I’ve seen it quite a bit. It’s happening a bit more often than it should.”
He therefore urged Osimhen to avoid giving defenders the reaction they seek when they try to unsettle him.
Osimhen had already put Galatasaray level in the fifth minute after Ayoze Pérez opened the scoring for Villarreal. Georges Mikautadze later restored the Spanish club’s lead before half-time.
The incident has since drawn further criticism, but Odemwingie’s comments have also highlighted the pressure Osimhen faces from defenders who know his attacking threat.
