Super Eagles midfielder, Victor Osimhen, declined to wear the captain’s armband during Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw against Rennes in a pre-season friendly held at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.
Galatasaray initially took the lead from a corner kick, with Gabriel Sara providing a well-placed cross into the box, allowing Osimhen to leap highest and powerfully head the ball into the net.
A brief incident regarding the captain’s armband occurred during the second half of the match.
Abdülkerim Bardakcı, the team’s primary captain, was substituted in the 74th minute.
As he exited the field, he passed the captain’s armband to Osimhen, indicating his desire for the Nigerian international to take on the captaincy for the remainder of the game.
However, Osimhen declined to wear it and instead handed the armband to Yunus Akgün, proposing that the attacking midfielder should lead the team instead.
Akgün was taken aback by Osimhen’s choice and attempted to convince him to accept the armband, but the former African Footballer of the Year remained steadfast in his refusal.
Galatasaray manager, Okan Buruk, had previously expressed his intention for Osimhen to be one of the club’s captains for the upcoming season following the departure of Mauro Icardi.