Victor Osimhen has emerged as one of the leading candidates to become Galatasaray captain ahead of the 2026/27 season, although a Turkish football pundit has questioned whether the Super Eagles striker is the right choice for the role.
Super Eagles NG understands that Galatasaray are searching for a new captain following the departure of Argentine forward Mauro Icardi. Osimhen and Turkey international defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı are among the players linked with the captaincy.
The report was first published by New Telegraph, which cited comments made by Turkish football pundit Bülent Timurlenk to Sabah.
Victor Osimhen Among Galatasaray Captain Candidates
Osimhen has established himself as one of Galatasaray’s key players since joining the Turkish champions. As a result, he is now among the leading contenders to wear the captain’s armband next season.
Meanwhile, Bardakcı also remains a strong candidate after captaining Galatasaray on several occasions during the previous campaign.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk recently praised Osimhen’s leadership qualities and suggested the Nigeria international could help fill the leadership vacancy left by Icardi’s exit.
Turkish Pundit Questions Osimhen’s Temperament
However, Timurlenk believes Osimhen’s behaviour during matches could count against him despite recognising his performances for the club.
“Although Osimhen undoubtedly deserves the captaincy, his body language and difficulty in managing his anger in interactions with referees, opponents and occasionally teammates pose challenges to his suitability as a captain,” Timurlenk told Sabah, according to New Telegraph.
He added that while Galatasaray’s coaching staff may want to reward Osimhen with the captaincy, Bardakcı remains the club’s leading captain on the pitch.
Osimhen has already worn the captain’s armband for Nigeria. He captained the Super Eagles in two of their last four competitive matches, including games against Uganda and Morocco during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
