Odemwingie played his last match for the Super Eagles around 2014, although he didn’t retire from professional football until 2019.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has explained what led to the confrontation between Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Villarreal defender Santiago Mouriño during a pre-season friendly.
The incident that led to the altercation occurred in the 37th minute of the game, which the La Liga outfit eventually won 2-1 at RAMS Park last weekend.
In a video that later made the rounds on X, Mouriño was seen blocking Osimhen with his body in an attempt to stop him from getting into a dangerous position in the penalty box.
His actions left the Nigerian furious as he tore off his protective face mask and shoved the Villarreal defender to the ground.
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Several of his teammates, however, saved the day by rushing to the scene and pulling him away before the situation escalated further.
Wading into the clash, Odemwingie claimed that Osimhen was provoked by Mouriño during the match, noting that, as a former player, he understood what went down.
He went on to say that his compatriot did not see the need for such a tackle, given that the encounter was merely a friendly.
“As somebody who has been on the pitch, somebody with experience, I understand that reaction.
“Sometimes we get provoked, and especially in friendly games, it annoys you more because it’s a friendly game,” Odemwingie said, according to Brila FM.
