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Tag: Osimhen

  • Osimhen dares Napoli on Galatasaray future

    Osimhen dares Napoli on Galatasaray future

    Nigeria international striker  Victor  Osimhen  has reportedly said  he would be  the one to determine his own future amid  transfer  rumours  away  from Galatasaray.

    Napoli president Aurelio di Laurentiis has been quoted as saying that  he will be open for Osimhen to join Serie A rivals AC Milan in exchange for Rafael Leao and should Kvaratskhelia quit.

    But  Osimhen has said  that  he would be  the one to decide where he plays after Galatasaray.

    “I decide on my future, I don’t want others to decide,” he said firmly .“I feel happy when I remember how the Galatasaray fans welcomed me. I couldn’t be happier in a better place than here. My aim is to finish this year here.”

    Yet a football transfer expert  has suggested  only a big money deal can lure  away Osimhen  from  Galatasaray  in the upcoming  January Transfer Window.

    Osimhen, who was linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain right up until the final week of the summer transfer window, ultimately did not make a move to either club.

    Read Also: AFCONQ: NFF beat CAF deadline, push for Libya’s punishment

    Instead, the 25-year-old joined Galatasaray on loan, where he’s been showcasing his ability by scoring four goals and providing four assists in seven appearances across all competitions.

    According to Turkish outlet Sozcu, Galatasaray is keen to make his stay permanent as the club is reportedly willing to pay £42 million to sign him on a full-time basis from Napoli.

    But in his recent appearance on the PSG Talk Extra Time podcast, Football Transfer’s Robin Bairner spoke about whether he sees Osimhen leaving this upcoming January transfer window.

    “He’s been in the Turkish news this week saying that he’s going to stay at Galatasaray [and] he’s spoken to fans and said he’s going to stay to the end of the season,” Bairner said. “But I think if a big offer came in from a PSG or a Chelsea or an Arsenal, any of the teams that were interested in him during the summer, I think it’s certainly something you would have to consider. But he does seem to be enjoying life in Turkey and there seems to be no urgency, I suppose, to leave at the moment. So it would have to be the right offer.”

  • Eguavoen lists Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, 20  others for Benin, Rwanda

    Eguavoen lists Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, 20  others for Benin, Rwanda

    Captain William Ekong, Atalanta of Italy’s Ademola Lookman, effervescent winger Moses Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month.

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen has also called goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze.

    Home-based defender Victor Collins will join up with the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain. 

    Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are also listed, while France-based defender Gabriel Osho will hope to play his first competitive game for fatherland, after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury.

    The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on 11 November, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th  November, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, 18th November.

    Currently top of their Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points. However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi, who have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two match-days.

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    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

    Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain) 

  • FULL LIST: Osimhen, Boniface in latest Super Eagles squad for AFCON qualifiers

    FULL LIST: Osimhen, Boniface in latest Super Eagles squad for AFCON qualifiers

    Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has released the squad list for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.

    The games are scheduled for November 14 and November 18.

    Here’s the full squad:

    Goalkeepers

    Stanley Nwabali
    Maduka Okoye
    Amas Obasogie

    Defenders

    Bright Osayi-Samuel
    Calvin Bassey
    William Ekong
    Ola Aina
    Bruno Onyemaechi
    Gabriel Osho
    Victor Collins

    Midfielders

    Alex Iwobi
    Frank Onyeka
    Alhassan Yusuf
    Wilfred Ndidi
    Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
    Raphael Onyedika

    Read Also: Injured Eagles’ defender Semi Ajayi to undergo surgery, out of AFCON qualifiers

    Forwards

    Ademola Lookman
    Samuel Chukwueze
    Victor Osimhen
    Moses Simon
    Kelechi Iheanacho
    Victor Boniface
    Umar Sadiq

  • Johnson urges Chelsea to sign Osimhen

    Johnson urges Chelsea to sign Osimhen

    Chelsea should go all out to sign Victor Osimhen after they failed to do so in the summer transfer window, according to former star of the Premier League club Glenn Johnson.

    Johnson said the London club need a proven striker who can score between 15 and 20 goals season after season and also Senegal star Nicolas Jackson needs more competition in the Chelsea first team.

    “I like Nicolas Jackson a lot but I don’t know if he’s the type of striker who can score 15-20 goals a season,” he said.

    For the best Breaking News, Special Features on Super Eagles other National Teams, Nigerian Stars overseas and the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL)

    Read Also: NFF plans home- based players for Super Falcons

     “Osimhen going to Galatasaray was crazy when you consider the interest in him in the summer

    “I believe Chelsea should sign him. Signing Osimhen would push Jackson to develop even more because he will have to fight for his place.

    “Chelsea would be mad not to try to sign Osimhen.”

  • Osimhen calls out CAF after Super Eagles stranded at Libya airport

    Osimhen calls out CAF after Super Eagles stranded at Libya airport

    Injured Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has hit out at CAF officials over the maltreatment of his teammates at a Libyan airport ahead of the return leg of the AFCON qualifers in Libya. 

    The Super Eagles were scheduled to play Libya in an AFCON qualifier on October 15 but the team decided to forgo the match after being stuck at the airport without access to food, water, or phone services.

    Victor Osimhen voiced his support for his fellow players on Instagram, calling for swift action to address the situation.

    Read Also: Osimhen backs Boniface to score for Super Eagles

    “Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles. I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya,” Osimhen posted on Instagram Stories

    Nigeria are top of Group D in AFCON qualifying, having picked up seven points from their opening three matches.

    They beat Libya 1-0 at home on Friday night, thanks to an 86th minute winner from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but Troost-Ekong has stated that Nigeria will not play the reverse fixture following their treatment at Libya airport.

  • Osimhen’s January move to Chelsea possible, says Napoli director

    Osimhen’s January move to Chelsea possible, says Napoli director

    Napoli director Mauro Meluso has said the club are open to selling Victor Osimhen to Premier League side Chelsea this January after a failed summer move.

    The striker was strongly linked with a move to West London but the deal was never finalised and instead he made a last minute loan move to Galatasaray where he has two goals and three assists in four appearances.

    Osimhen’s £109m release clause, which no club was willing to pay in the summer, is no longer active and it is reported that his price has since been cut to around £68m.

    Reports from Corriere dello Sport state that the Nigerian forward is still adamant on joining the Blues.

    Meluso spoke on the striker’s move to Turkey and how a deal with Chelsea could be reached as the Italian club look to sell a player who is no longer part if their plans.

    “It was a last-minute solution so he would not lose the first three months of the season,” Meluso said during the Palermo Football Conference. “We will see in January.”

    Read Also: NFF solicits more support  from Nigeria Police  

    The Napoli director added: “He no longer wanted to be part of the first-team.

    “He had received an important offer even before I arrived at Napoli, but (Napoli chairman) Aurelio De Laurentiis didn’t consider it because he thought about the club’s good.

    “He may have made wrong decisions but did them to keep Napoli competitive.”

  • Arsenal renew interest in Osimhen

    Arsenal renew interest in Osimhen

    Former English Premier League champions Arsenal could attempt to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli in January, Soccernet.ng reports.

    According to Turkish outlet Skorer, Arsenal are weighing up a transfer for Osimhen in January.

    Osimhen’s future has continued to dominate the news despite joining Galatasaray in the summer transfer window. Before making that move, the 25-year-old Nigerian striker had been linked with top European clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Arsenal. However, the transfer did not materialize as all the parties involved failed to reach a compromise.

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    After he failed to get his big move, Galatasaray swooped in and got Osimhen’s services in a season-long loan deal.

    Still, the talks have not stopped. The price tag on the Nigerian was the major hindrance to a transfer during the last summer transfer window. Napoli were asking for $120 million for Osimhen’s services.

    However, Osimhen’s value has dropped significantly. He is now valued at €75 million according to Transfermarkt and this would be quite affordable for the Gunners. But this value could still increase or drop, depending on Osimhen’s performance at Galatasaray.

  • Osimhen relishes partnership with ‘big brother’ Icardi

    Osimhen relishes partnership with ‘big brother’ Icardi

    Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen has expressed admiration for his Galatasaray teammate Mauro Icardi.

    Icardi had already established himself as the main striker for the Turkish Super Lig champions prior to Osimhen’s arrival.

    The Argentine forward has been a key player for Galatasaray since joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, helping to secure vital wins with his scoring ability and experience.

    Despite Icardi’s established presence, the two have developed a strong bond on and off the pitch.

    Osimhen scored his first goal for the Yellow and Reds during the thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa on Saturday night, showcasing his potential to be a significant contributor to the team. 

    Icardi also found the net in this match, further cementing their roles as a dynamic attacking duo. Their ability to combine effectively in front of goal is critical for Galatasaray as they aim to retain their league title and make a mark in European competitions.

    Read Also: Okoye, Dutch partner part ways

     “I have a good relationship with Mauro. He is a leader, he protects and looks after all of us. He is also a big brother to me. Everyone sees this,” Osimhen shared on the club’s official website. 

    This sentiment highlights the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in a successful squad.

     “We celebrate the goals together. As I said, it is a real privilege to play with him,” he added, indicating his appreciation for Icardi’s guidance and experience.

    Osimhen’s arrival at Galatasaray has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see how he and Icardi will complement each other. The partnership is expected to elevate the team’s attacking prowess, especially as they pursue both domestic and international glory. 

    With both players in fine form, supporters have high hopes for a successful season ahead, believing that their chemistry on the field could lead to more memorable moments and victories for Galatasaray.

    Many Napoli fans were angry when Osimhen kissed the Galatasaray jersey when he scored his first goal for the Turkish champions.

  • Osimhen nets brace to open Galatasaray account

    Osimhen nets brace to open Galatasaray account

    Victor Osimhen scored twice for Galatasaray Saturday evening after he had assisted in his first three matches.

    The Napoli loanee got his first goal in the 20th minute before he fired a brace eight minutes later.

    He displayed a jersey announcing ‘finally’ when he scored his first goal at Kasimpasa.

    His second effort was awesome as he had to shield a long ball away from his marker before he rifled home with the left foot.

    Read Also: NFF names Eguavoen as caretaker coach for Super Eagles

    He also provided an assist for the third goal to now make it four assists in as many matches.

    He was later replaced when he felt a slight pain.

    However, hosts Kasimpasa with Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo a second-half sub fought back to draw 3-3 in stoppage time.

    It was the first draw by table-topping ‘Gala’ this season.

  • Galatasaray coach to unleash Osimhen, Icardi on Kasimpasa

    Galatasaray coach to unleash Osimhen, Icardi on Kasimpasa

    Galatasaray coach Orkan Buruk is planning to pair Victor Osimhen with Mauro Icardi for their Turkish Super Lig clash against Kasimpasa on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

    Osimhen has become the poster boy for Galatasaray since he joined the club from Napoli in the summer. Since he joined, he has dominated most of the news in and around the club, and has most of the fans behind him.

    When Osimhen arrived, it was clear that he was going to become the first-choice striker at the club despite the presence of stars like Icardi, Dries Mertens, and Michy Batshuayi.

    Nonetheless, with all these stars, it was expected that Buruk would pair Osimhen with another striker.

    In the Lions’ first few games of the season, Buruk has deployed two-man striking force with either Osimhen or Batshuayi and Mertens.

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    However, that was due to Icardi’s injury. But on Wednesday, the Argentine hitman returned to action for Galatasaray and scored for them in their 3-1 win over PAOK.

    Now that Icardi is fully back, there are reports that coach Buruk is planning to pair Osimhen with Icardi in the attack. This invariably means that Mertens would be benched.