Victor Osimhen has showered praise on his Galatasaray SK teammate Barış Alper Yılmaz following the club’s Turkish Super Lig title-clinching victory.
The Nigerian striker scored twice in Galatasaray’s thrilling 4-2 win over Antalyaspor on Saturday, helping the Istanbul giants secure a fourth consecutive league crown.
After the match, Osimhen singled out Yılmaz for special praise, applauding the midfielder’s relentless energy, fighting spirit, and physical presence.
“Barış Alper Yılmaz plays just like an African footballer. Ambition, fight. Very hungry, very strong,” Osimhen said during a live broadcast on social media.
“I swear he’s very strong. When I first came here, I asked Mertens about him. I said to Mertens, ‘Dude, this guy plays like an African player, do you realize that?’ Because we Africans never stop.
“Mertens said, ‘Yes, that’s why I like him so much.’ Barış is a true warrior.”
Yılmaz has been one of Galatasaray’s standout performers during the 2025/26 season, contributing eight goals and 11 assists in the Turkish Super Lig.
His tireless work ethic, physicality, and attacking drive have made him a fan favourite at RAMS Park and an important attacking partner for Osimhen.
Meanwhile, Osimhen’s brace took his tally to 22 league goals this season and 59 goals overall since joining Galatasaray two years ago.
The 27-year-old continues to cement his reputation as one of Europe’s deadliest forwards and is expected to attract significant transfer attention when the summer window opens in June.
