Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has dismissed allegations that he assaulted a Turkish journalist and offered hush money to suppress the incident.
Osimhen responded to the accusations shortly after converting a decisive penalty in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday. Addressing the press post-match, the football star labeled the claims as baseless and vowed to take legal action.
Detailing the incident, Osimhen said, “I went to eat with my friends and was heading back to my van when these guys suddenly appeared with cameras in my face. I was shocked. As seen in the video circulating online, I was visibly startled and asked them what they wanted. They claimed to be paparazzi, so I asked politely, ‘What do you want?’ but they didn’t respond and kept taking pictures.”
The footballer explained that his friends intervened, telling the journalists they should have sought permission for an interview instead of ambushing him. Refuting the claims of violence, he said, “I never punched anyone. I only approached them and asked them to delete the pictures they took without my consent. It’s my image, and I have the right to demand its removal.
“This is nothing new to me. People like this fabricate lies to suit their agenda. If I had actually hit him, justice would prevail. However, if he’s lying, he will face the full force of the law. I will ensure the truth comes to light.”
The allegations, reported by Posta.com.tr, claim that Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli, reacted aggressively when journalists attempted to photograph him outside a venue.
One of the journalists, Tolga Bozduman, accused Osimhen of physical assault. Bozduman stated, “Three of my colleagues and I were at the entrance capturing images of Osimhen. When the camera flashes went off, he lost his temper. He charged at me, tried to grab my camera, and punched me in the head. My right side still hurts.”
Bozduman further alleged that Osimhen hurled insults and offered money to delete the footage. “When we refused, he threatened us, saying, ‘I will destroy you,’” Bozduman claimed.
Osimhen has maintained his innocence and reiterated his intention to seek legal redress against what he described as false accusations.
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