The Nigerian striker scored in Galatasaray’s 3-3 friendly draw with Rennes before declining the armband after Abdülkerim Bardakcı was substituted

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen declined the captain’s armband during Galatasaray’s 3-3 pre-season draw against French side Rennes at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park on Sunday, despite scoring for the Turkish champions.

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Osimhen opened the scoring for Galatasaray after Gabriel Sara delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, allowing the Nigerian forward to rise above the defence and power a header into the net.

The goal added another bright moment to Osimhen’s pre-season preparations as he continues to establish himself as one of Galatasaray’s key attacking figures.

However, the most unexpected moment of the evening came in the second half when the striker was offered the opportunity to lead his team.

Galatasaray’s regular captain, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, was substituted in the 74th minute. As he left the pitch, Bardakcı handed the armband to Osimhen, apparently signalling that the Nigerian should take over the captaincy for the remainder of the match.

Osimhen, however, declined.

Instead of putting on the armband, the Nigerian striker took it to Yunus Akgün and indicated that the attacking midfielder should wear it.

Akgün appeared surprised by Osimhen’s decision and reportedly tried to persuade the striker to accept the responsibility.

Osimhen nevertheless stood by his decision and continued without the armband.

The moment was particularly notable because Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has previously indicated that he wants Osimhen to be among the club’s captains for the coming season.

The Nigerian’s potential leadership role has become a subject of interest following the departure of Mauro Icardi, who had been one of the club’s prominent leaders.

Osimhen’s decision during Sunday’s friendly, however, appeared to reflect his personal preference on the night rather than necessarily signalling a rejection of a future leadership role.

The 3-3 draw provided Galatasaray with another useful test ahead of the new campaign, with Osimhen once again demonstrating his threat in front of goal.

His headed finish from Sara’s delivery underlined the qualities that have made him one of the most influential forwards in European football.

The captaincy incident, meanwhile, offered an intriguing glimpse into the dynamics within the Galatasaray squad as Buruk considers his leadership group for the season ahead.

For Osimhen, the decision to pass the armband to Akgün may have been an unplanned but memorable moment in an otherwise productive pre-season outing.

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With the new campaign approaching, attention will now turn to whether Buruk eventually hands Osimhen a formal leadership role and whether the Nigerian will be ready to accept it when the stakes become more significant.