Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen warns Galatasaray cannot afford to sit back against Barcelona

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has described Barcelona as the best team in the world at present but insists Galatasaray will approach their meeting with the Spanish giants with ambition and determination.

Galatasaray are preparing to host Barcelona at Rams Park, where Osimhen expects an intense contest against a side renowned for its quality and ability to dominate possession.

Speaking in comments reported by Catalan newspaper Sport, Osimhen described Barcelona as “one of the best teams in history, and the best in the world currently”.

However, the Nigeria international made it clear that Galatasaray would not simply sit back and allow their opponents to control the match.

Osimhen believes his team must press Barcelona in advanced areas of the pitch and work hard to disrupt their passing game. He acknowledged that such an approach would demand considerable physical effort, particularly against a side capable of retaining possession for long periods.

The striker’s comments underline the tactical challenge facing Galatasaray, who will need to limit Barcelona’s opportunities to dictate the tempo and look to force mistakes when pressing high up the field.

Despite the difficulty of the task, Osimhen said Galatasaray’s players were excited about the occasion and ready to give everything in front of their home supporters.

He added that the team would leave the pitch with their heads held high, regardless of the result, provided they had given their best.

Osimhen also expressed his excitement about facing Barcelona at Rams Park, anticipating a special atmosphere with the home crowd expected to turn out in force.