Tag: Osimhen

  • Osimhen targets Champions League return against Liverpool   

    Osimhen targets Champions League return against Liverpool   

    Victor Osimhen is on course to return for Galatasaray’s blockbuster UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 clash  on S

    eptember 30th against Premier League champions Liverpool at RAMS Park.

    The Nigerian striker  reportedly resumed training with the Turkish giants  on Sunday for the first time since he suffered a  sprained ankle injury  while on international duty with the Super Eagles in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo on September 6.

    Despite rejoining  the team’s sessions, reports from Turkey suggested that the 25-year-old is still nursing pain and discomfort. Renowned Turkish journalist Serhan Turk claimed  that Osimhen will undergo another MRI scan to assess the injury and outline a customized recovery plan.

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     “Victor Osimhen has not fully recovered. Yesterday, he trained with the team for part of the session, but he is experiencing pain. Today (Monday), he will undergo another MRI, and afterward, we will have a clear plan for his programme. The player will not be taken to the Alanyaspor away match, but we expect him to be available for the Liverpool match,” Turk wrote on X.

    Consequently, Osimhen sat out yesterday’s league game against Konyaspor and will  presumably be unavailable for their Friday’s trip to Alanyaspor, with Galatasaray prioritizing his fitness for the high-stakes encounter against Liverpool.

    The Turkish champions are eager to bounce back from their humbling 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last week, and Osimhen—who has scored twice in three appearances this season—is viewed as central to their ambitions of making a statement in Europe.

  • Osimhen set for Gala returns as Gyan clears air on fake news

    Osimhen set for Gala returns as Gyan clears air on fake news

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is expected to make his comeback for Galatasaray next week after being sidelined for two weeks with sprained ankle.

    The Nigerian forward sustained the injury just outside the penalty area while attempting a shot during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.

    The setback forced him to miss the crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein, sparking wild rumours about the authenticity  his injury.

    Several media outlets falsely claimed that Osimhen had deliberately pulled out of national duty to focus on Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig clash with Eyupspor and their UEFA Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt.

    In fact,  a controversial quote to Asamoah Gyan, suggesting  the Ghanaian legend accused the striker of faking injury.

    Gyan, however, has dismissed the reports as mere  fabrication . Taking to X, the former Black Stars captain clarified that he never made such remarks and urged fans to stop spreading falsehoods.

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     “Fabricated quotes attributed to me about Victor Osimhen have gone viral on social media. It’s important to set the record straight: I never granted any interview about Nigeria. The last AFCON game vs Cameroon was the last time I spoke about Osimhen’s talent. Don’t spread FAKE news,” Gyan wrote.

    He added that he had spoken personally with Osimhen and wished him a full recovery.

     “I had a great chat with my brother @VictorOsimhen9 on the phone earlier today. Once again, I wish you a full and speedy recovery.”

    With his return date confirmed, Galatasaray fans will soon see their star striker back in action, while Gyan’s rebuttal puts to rest the unfounded speculation around Osimhen’s injury.

  • Asamoah Gyan accuses Osimhen of faking injury in World Cup qualifiers

    Asamoah Gyan accuses Osimhen of faking injury in World Cup qualifiers

    Former Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan has accused Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen of faking injury to miss the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

    Osimhen returned to Galatasaray after picking up a leg injury in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda last weekend, ruling him out of Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium.

    Galatasaray later confirmed the 26-year-old had suffered an ankle ligament injury. However, Gyan questioned the legitimacy of the claim, suggesting it was a cover to keep the striker fresh for club duties.

    Read Also: Osimhen begins treatment for sprained ankle ligament

    “I know these tricks. Someone said to Osimhen, ‘Look, we spent a lot of money on you. The Champions League is coming up. 

    “We don’t like you going to Africa but go there and play a bit, then get injured and lie on the ground and act like it’s serious. The next day you’ll be in Türkiye,’” Gyan was quoted by habersarikirmizi.

  • Galatasaray admits anxiety over Osimhen’s international duties

    Galatasaray admits anxiety over Osimhen’s international duties

    Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has confessed that he always feels uneasy whenever Victor Osimhen departs for international duty with Nigeria.

    His concerns deepened after the Super Eagles striker sustained an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    “If there is a problem with Osimhen, we want to send a plane immediately to bring him back to Türkiye. We hope it’s nothing serious,” Buruk told Now Spor, as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

    Recalling the moment he first heard the news, the coach revealed: “I was at dinner when a waiter approached me with his phone, showing me the update about Osimhen. I always worry whenever he goes on international duty, and tonight we experienced that fear again. We contacted him, and the feedback we got is that he has pain in his foot.”

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    The Turkish champions  indeed underlined their faith in Osimhen by dispatching  a private jet to fly  the forward back  to Istanbul. According to club sources, the private jet was deployed to guarantee the striker’s comfort and to ensure he receives top-level medical care without the stress of commercial travel.

    He is expected to go for a thorough medical assessment. The tests will determine the extent of the injury and his recovery timeline.

    The 25-year-old, who sealed a high-profile summer move to Galatasaray, has quickly become a cornerstone of the club’s ambition  in the Turkish Super Lig and on the continent.

    His injury scare has therefore triggered deep concern among fans and officials.

    For now, both Galatasaray and Super Eagles supporters anxiously await confirmation on whether Osimhen will face only a brief spell on the sidelines or a longer absence that could impact crucial games.

    With Osimhen nursing the injury, he is now a major doubt for Galatasaray’s upcoming league fixture when domestic action this weekend in Turkey

  • We are always afraid to send Osimhen to Nigeria – Galatasaray coach

    We are always afraid to send Osimhen to Nigeria – Galatasaray coach

    Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted he develops “tremendous tension” whenever Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen leaves for international duty.

    Osimhen, who plays a key role for club and country, has been ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa after picking up an injury in the 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday.

    Reacting to the situation, Buruk revealed that the Turkish champions are monitoring the striker’s condition closely.

    “If there is a problem with Osimhen, we want to send a plane immediately and bring him back to Türkiye. We hope it’s nothing serious,” Buruk told Now Spor, as quoted by habersarikirmizi.

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    He further explained the tension he feels anytime the 25-year-old is on international duty.

    “I always have fears about sending him to the national team, but tonight we experienced a bit of that. I was at dinner when the waiter came to me with a phone in his hand and showed me the news about Osimhen. We reached him, and the information we received is that he has pain in his foot.”

    Osimhen’s absence is a huge blow for the Super Eagles, who face Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday as they continue their push for a World Cup ticket.

  • Osimhen off to winning return with Galatasaray

    Osimhen off to winning return with Galatasaray

    Victor Osimhen played his first game for Galatasaray in a 3-0 home win over promoted Fatih Karagumruk.

    Osimhen was a 61st minute sub as Galatasaray kept a second straight clean sheet in the new season.

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    He even thought he had marked his return in style when he hit target in the 78th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

    Two minutes later, he failed to connect home across as his header missed target not by much.

  • Morata serves Osimhen  ‘explosive’ warning on Galatasaray

    Morata serves Osimhen  ‘explosive’ warning on Galatasaray

    Super Eagles International striker, Victor Osimhen, has been warned  to brace  for the antics  of Galatasaray  following  his recent record-signing from Napoli.

    Spain International Alvaro Morata claimed Galatasaray did not keep to the contract he signed with them.

    This undoubtedly  would serve as  a poignant  message to  Osimhen  recently completed  a long-term deal from Napoli, making  him the most expensive incoming transfer in Turkish soccer history in a €75 million ($85.74 million) deal.  

    But  Morata has lashed out at his now-former club Galatasaray for failing to honour their contractual obligations after he departed the Istanbul giants just six months into a year-long loan.

     Morata has returned to Italy, where parent club AC Milan have sent him to Como for the upcoming campaign.

    According to Galatasaray, the contract with Morata was ‘mutually terminated,’ with Milan forced to pay a €5m termination fee and the striker waiving €651,562 in ‘receivables.’

    But  Morata claimed that he was compelled to leave the club because Galatasaray failed to honour their contractual obligations.

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    In an explosive statement, the 32-year-old has accused the Turkish club of ‘failing to compensate’ him for his work in what will be an ominous warning to the club’s marquee signing  Osimhen.

    Morata praised the city of Istanbul as well as “extraordinary” Galatasaray fans, but complained of his experience with the club management.

    “There were times when my word and fundamental values were not kept; until the very end commitments were not honoured to the point that I had no choice but to give up part of my salary and other contractual rights that I had already earned thanks to my work,” the striker said inter alia on his social  media  account. “For me, in life and I work, there are principles that should never be broken, such as respect for everyone’s rights.”

    “Failure to recognise and compensate for what I earned is, for me, unacceptable and contrary to the values of fairness and professionalism in which I believe.”

    Incidentally, Napoli insisted on bank guarantees for Galatasaray payments of the transfer fee of Osimhen, who is due to receive a club-record €15 million annual salary after his €75m move.

  • Osimhen  set for Gala’s opening game of new season

    Osimhen  set for Gala’s opening game of new season

    Turkish champions Galatasaray will begin the defence of their title at Gaziantep FK Friday with record signing Victor Osimhen expected to be listed on the matchday squad.

    Osimhen has hit the ground running by joining team training on return to Turkey after his long-drawn transfer negotiations with Napoli.

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    He did not feature in the pre-season friendly against Lazio at the weekend, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

    Fotomac reported that coach Okan Buruk will name Osimhen on the squad for the away game, while his direct rival for the top striker’s position, Mauro Icardi, will be overlooked because he is only just recovering from a long-term injury.

  • Osimhen’s Galatasaray move set for announcement

    Osimhen’s Galatasaray move set for announcement

    The Corriere dello Sport newspaper has reported that Napoli has signed off on the contracts concerning the transfer of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray, and the official announcement of this historic switch will be made on Monday. Paripesa apk

    Osimhen is now expected to fly into Istanbul for a routine medical, signing, and a massive hero’s welcome at the Galatasaray home stadium.

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    Turkish champions Galatasaray will pay Napoli 75 Million Euros, with the first installment of 40 Million Euros immediately, while the balance, backed by bank guarantees, is paid in two installments next year.

    Galatasaray will pay Napoli 10% of the transfer fee should Osimhen move again by 2027.

    They cannot sell the striker to another Italian club for the next two years, and should they breach this, they will pay a fine of 30 million Euros.

  • Four most expensive Nigerian footballers since 2020

    Four most expensive Nigerian footballers since 2020

    Galatasaray and Napoli are in the final stages of completing a transfer deal for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

    The agreement is reportedly worth a total of €75 million and will see €40 million paid up front, with the remaining €35 million to be settled in a year.

    This move will be one of the most expensive for a Nigerian footballer ever.

    Over the years, Nigerian footballers have continued to make headlines on the global stage: not just for their talent, but also for the hefty transfer fees they attract.

    Here are four of the most expensive Nigerian footballers since 2020:

    1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020):

    Victor Osimhen’s move from Lille to Napoli in the summer of 2020 remains the most expensive transfer involving a Nigerian player. The fee, reportedly rising to €78.9 million with bonuses and player exchanges, made him the costliest African transfer at the time.

    Osimhen joined Napoli after an impressive season in Ligue 1, where he scored 18 goals in 38 appearances.

    Since arriving in Serie A, Osimhen has grown into one of Europe’s top strikers, playing a key role in Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto-winning campaign, their first league title in over 30 years.

    2. Calvin Bassey – €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022):

    Calvin Bassey’s rapid rise from Leicester City’s youth setup to commanding a €23 million move to Ajax in 2022 is remarkable.

    The versatile defender starred for Rangers in their run to the UEFA Europa League final in 2022, where his strong tackling and composure caught the attention of top clubs.

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    Ajax signed Bassey as a replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who had moved to Manchester United. Although his time in Amsterdam was mixed, Bassey’s potential was undeniable, leading to a transfer to Fulham the following year.

    3. Terem Moffi – €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)

    Terem Moffi completed a high-profile move from FC Lorient to OGC Nice in January 2023 for a reported €22.5 million. The deal included a loan with an obligation to buy, making him one of the most expensive Nigerian attackers in Ligue 1 history.

    Moffi has continued to impress at Nice, solidifying his place in the Super Eagles setup.

    4. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022):

    Taiwo Awoniyi’s journey from Liverpool loanee to Nottingham Forest’s marquee signing in 2022 came after a breakout season at Union Berlin, where he netted 20 goals in all competitions. The €20.5 million transfer was a record deal for Forest at the time as they prepared for life in the Premier League following promotion.