Turkish midfielder Mehmet Özcan has revealed how Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen helped lift the spirits of Galatasaray forward Barış Alper Yılmaz during the recent international break.

Yılmaz, who has experienced an inconsistent campaign with the Yellow-Reds, delivered one of his best performances of the season for Turkey in their 2-2 draw against Spain on Tuesday. 

The 25-year-old was impressive throughout the clash and registered a key assist that helped the Crescent-Stars avoid defeat against the former world champions.

Speaking on A Spor’s YouTube channel, Özcan disclosed that Osimhen reached out to Yılmaz with a motivational message after watching his display against Spain. 

According to him, the Super Eagles star praised the Turkish winger’s effort and encouraged him to replicate the same level of performance at club level.

"Victor Osimhen started to motivate Barış Alper Yılmaz by saying, 'I watched the national team match. You were very good and error-free against Spain. You will continue this here. I am with you and I trust you,” he revealed as quoted by habersarikirmizi. 

While Yılmaz continues to search for consistency at Galatasaray, Osimhen has maintained his prolific form for the Super League champions. 

The Nigerian international has scored nine goals in 12 appearances across all competitions, building on last season’s remarkable output.

With Osimhen ruled out of Galatasaray’s upcoming fixture against Gençlerbirliği, manager Okan Buruk will hope Yılmaz can step up and deliver a strong performance to help the team return to winning ways.

Adeyemi Adewale