Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen praised teammate Barış Alper Yılmaz as a player who "plays like an African" after the club secured the Turkish Super Lig title on Friday night.
Osimhen made the remarks during an Instagram live broadcast following Galatasaray's 4-2 home win over Antalyaspor at Rams Park. The victory gave Galatasaray their fourth consecutive league championship and the 26th in the club's history. Osimhen scored twice in the match, with Mario Lemina and Kaan Ayhan also on the scoresheet, earning his second league title since joining the Istanbul side on loan from Napoli in 2024.
Speaking to supporters, the Nigerian international highlighted Yılmaz's physicality and work ethic. "Barış Alper Yılmaz plays just like an African footballer. Ambition, fight. Very hungry, very strong," Osimhen said. He said he first noticed the trait after arriving in Turkey and discussed it with veteran teammate Dries Mertens. "I said to Mertens, 'This guy plays like an African, do you realize that?' Because we Africans never stop," Osimhen said. "Mertens said, 'Yes, that's why I like him so much.' Barış is a true warrior".