German automaker Mercedes-Benz has reportedly filed a complaint with the Italian Carabinieri against Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen over an alleged failure to complete payments for a leased vehicle.
Osimhen, widely regarded as one of football’s most prolific forwards, has enjoyed a remarkable rise across Europe, playing in Belgium, France, Italy and now Turkey. His breakthrough came at SSC Napoli, where he helped the club win its first Serie A title in nearly four decades, becoming a fan favourite in the process.
That success later earned him a high-profile move to Galatasaray, where he reportedly earns more than €20 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The Nigerian striker is known for his luxury lifestyle as well as his generosity. Just days ago, he was said to have sponsored the trip of Nigerian supporters to Istanbul for a derby clash against Fenerbahce, where he scored in a 3-0 victory.
However, controversy has now emerged off the pitch, Italian outlet Napolista reported that Mercedes-Benz alerted authorities over a vehicle leased to Osimhen in 2023. The company claims the striker neither completed the purchase nor returned the car, resulting in an alleged debt of €90,000, estimated at about ₦142 million.
The development has raised concerns given that the amount involved is far below the player’s reported earnings. Osimhen has previously displayed a collection of luxury vehicles, including Lamborghinis, a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes-Benz believed to be the vehicle at the centre of the dispute.
Neither Osimhen nor his representatives has issued an official response to the allegation, though observers believe the matter may be resolved quickly as the striker seeks to avoid distractions and remain focused on his career in Turkey.
Elijah Adeyemi
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