Osimhen becomes sixth Nigerian to play for Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen ended his long transfer saga after joining Turkish side Galatasaray on a four-month loan deal from Napoli on Tuesday as the sixth Nigerian to don the Cimbom jersey.
Osimhen’s transfer and his eventual departure from Italy were one of the most talked about during the summer window, having requested to leave Napoli despite penning a new contract in December 2023.
The Super Eagles striker needs no introduction, having showcased his immense quality since joining the Partenopei from Lille in 2020, guiding the club to their first league title in over 30 decades, scoring 26 goals and bagging the Serie A top scorer award.
Over the past three seasons, his impressive performance has seen him emerge as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others, showing interest in the Lagos-born striker.
Chelsea were Osimhen’s choice destination, while Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli weighed in with a mouthwatering offer on the last day of the transfer window.
Eventually, the 25-year-old ended up in Turkey, as he arrived in the country on Monday night amid a warm reception by thousands of Galatasaray fans who were eager to see the Nigerian in the club jersey.
With his transfer situation settled until at least January, Osimhen will hope to settle down well in his new home and replicate his performance that saw Napoli emerge champions in Italy during the 2022/23 season.
Osimhen is expected to make his debut for the Turkish giants immediately after the international break when they take on Rizespor on September 15, becoming the sixth Nigerian to turn out for the Cimbom, as they are fondly called.
Retired Eagles striker Dominic Iorfa was the first Nigerian to play for the club, with the 21-capped Eagles player spending just eight months at the club before leaving for English club Peterborough in 1992. During his time at the club, Iofa registered three goals in nine games.
It took 26 years before another Nigerian joined the club. In 2018, Henry Onyekuru, who is still the most successful Eagles star to have donned their colours, joined the club from Everton, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 71 appearances. He won the Turkish Super Lig and the League Cup.
Galatasaray didn’t have to wait for long before having another Nigerian join them, with Valentine Ozornwafor arriving from Nigeria Premier Football League club Enyimba in 2019.
Despite the hype and expectations, the defender, who was one of the best players coming out of the league at the time, failed to impress in Turkey, making just one appearance for the club in his three-year spell. The 25-year-old spent most of his time on loan away from the club.
During the 2020 season, Oghenekaro Etebo and little-known Jesse Sekidika joined the Turkish side.
Both players spent just one year with them. While Etebo, who was on loan from Stoke City, made 29 appearances, Sekidika turned out 19 times for the club and scored a goal.
With the signing of Osimhen, the fans are set for another treat of Nigerian flavour.