Gary Lineker has publicly apologised to Victor Osimhen for previously questioning his performance in big matches and his character. The apology cam
Gary Lineker has publicly apologised to Victor Osimhen for previously questioning his performance in big matches and his character.
The apology came after Osimhen’s standout performance in Galatasaray’s 1–0 win over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
The Nigerian striker scored the decisive penalty and dominated Liverpool’s defence, earning Man of the Match and becoming the highest-scoring Nigerian in UCL history.
On his podcast ‘The Rest is Football’, Lineker admitted he had misjudged Osimhen, saying:
“I need to apologise to Victor Osimhen. I remember I intimated that perhaps he goes missing sometimes, and I believe that is actually completely not the case. I’m sorry about that. You shouldn’t spout rumours on these things. My bad, my bad on that.”
Lineker had previously suggested that top Premier League clubs passed on signing Osimhen due to concerns about his attitude and consistency. However, after witnessing Osimhen’s commanding display against Liverpool’s defence, Lineker retracted those claims and praised the striker’s qualities:
“He’s quick, he’s tall, he’s a good finisher, he’s brilliant in the air, he’s a hell of a player,” the former Barcelona striker said
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently for a record €75 million after a successful loan spell from Napoli, where he scored 37 goals in all competitions. He now has three goals in five appearances this season.
This apology has been widely praised as a moment of humility and recognition of Osimhen’s growing stature in world football.
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