Osimhen opens up on Galatasaray move 

Victor Osimhen has expressed his satisfaction with his decision to join Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. Despite receiving offers from other clubs, Osimhen chose Galatasaray due to the club’s ambition and the convincing approach from the coach. He was drawn to the opportunity to play alongside experienced players like Mauro Icardi and contribute to the team’s success. “I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and leave in January, but I think for me it was fair also to stay there because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me,” Osimhen told TRT Spor, from the Galatasaray training centre. “It was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred. “When I received the call from the Galatasaray coach, it was really convincing. He said what he wanted to do this season and what he wanted to achieve. I could see what he had set for himself as a man, a coach, and a father. I think I fit in this plan and coming to a team with already a lot of quality players with great ambition, as a footballer it was easy to come. “When I came I could see how serious Galatasaray are as a club. For me it was the right decision, but also for my family and my daughter. Coming to a city like Istanbul, one of the best in the world. It was easy. So far so good, I’m really happy about my decision. I want to contribute and win something important here.” Osimhen has quickly adapted to Galatasaray, scoring two goals and providing four assists in his first four games. He has formed a good partnership with Icardi and is focused on helping the team achieve their goals. Osimhen’s decision to join Galatasaray was influenced by several factors, including the club’s prestige, the opportunity to play in a major league, and the personal recommendation from his idol, Didier Drogba. “I would like to thank Galatasaray fans as I remember how they welcomed me,” he added. “I am not a player who puts myself before the team. My ambition was to add and contribute to the quality the team already has,” continued the Nigerian forward.” There were fears that Osimhen would struggle to adapt at Galatasaray playing with another big personality like Mauro Icardi, but the opening games suggest otherwise. “I have great respect for Icardi and what he’s done for football and Galatasaray,” he said. “He’s a big legend here. We’ve seen how me and him can work well on the pitch. But for me, I don’t care about being the best scorer in the league. I want to score, assist and help the team when I have the chance, [help] in defence and attack, just like the coach needs me to do, but collective success is what’s paramount.” Osimhen already has two goals and four assists in four games for the Lions and has firmly established himself as a fan favourite. Galatasaray play Antalyaspor next away from home on Saturday 19 October, Osimhen is expected to return after recovering from a small injury.

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Osimhen opens Galatasaray goal account 

Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen scored his first two goals for Galatasaray on Saturday and celebrated with a funny message: ‘Finally.’ The Nigeria international had delivered two assists in the first two appearances for Galatasaray but found the net for the first time with the Turkish club in a home league game against Kisampasa on Saturday. Osimhen hit twice in the opening 28 minutes, and after scoring the first one, he celebrated by showing a Galatasaray shirt with the word ‘finally’ written on it. The Napoli loanee also imitated a goal celebration of ex-Inter captain Mauro Icardi when the Argentinean netted the third goal for Gala at minute 34. Osimhen will remain on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli until the end of the season. Galatasaray’s vice president, İbrahim Hatipoğlu, said earlier this week that the Nigerian forward will stay at the club in the January transfer window despite rumours. Oismhen’s Napoli contract includes a €75m clause and expires in June 2027. The 25-year-old scored 76 goals in 133 games with the Partenopei.

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Another Nigerian star joins Galatasaray

Super Falcons’ defender Oluwatosin Blessing Demehin has signed a one-year contract with Turkish Super League club Galatasaray. The new signed on makes it the second Nigerian on the bills of Galatasaray after Victor Osimhen’s loan move in August.  “Grateful beyond measures.  “A new chapter has begin,” wrote on her X handle on Monday.  In a similar vein, Galatasaray Niaja fans page also wrote; “Naija we don sign another one oooo! una no go show am love!” Demehin competed in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was also included in the 23-player Nigerian squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She had previously played for Rivers Angels and Stade de Reims of France. 

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Osimhen: Onyekuru lured me to Galatasaray 

African footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen has revealed that Henry Onyekuru furnished him with necessary information before agreeing to Galatasaray move.  The Nigeria striker has joined in a straight loan from Napoli with a break clause for January. He said upon signing his contract: “When I heard about Galatasaray’s interest, it was an easy decision for me. I knew how big Galatasaray was and how much of a family club it was. They have an incredible fan base. “Henry Onyekuru is my friend and he played for Galatasaray, he told me how big the club, the fans and the people here are.  “So it was an easy decision for me. When I landed at the airport, the fans welcomed me with so much emotion that I felt very happy.  “These things are important for a player. I want to do everything I can for them.  “I can’t wait to start this project. I’m very excited.” On a reunion with former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens, he continued: “Dries Mertens was always with me when I played in Italy. He became a big brother to me. He is a person I respect a lot, I am excited to be teammates with him again.  “I can’t wait to meet my teammates as soon as possible. I was already watching Galatasaray games. “I follow Mertens to see how he plays since he came here. I was following his development as a person and as a footballer.  “The interactions of the players with the fans when they score goals and win games are also exciting. Now I hope our fans will support me after every goal. I can’t wait. “I say hello to the Galatasaray fans, Osimhen is here. Thank you very much for welcoming me at the airport. It was a great welcome.”

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Osimhen pens Galatasaray loan deal

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has officially signed with Turkish giants Galatasaray.  The deal, finalized today, sees Osimhen joining the club on a loan from Napoli. Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray comes after a challenging summer, during which negotiations with other clubs, including Al-Ahli and Chelsea, fell through.  The 25-year-old forward will wear the number 45 jersey for Galatasaray and is set to play in the Turkish Süper Lig until June 2025. The Turkish club has agreed to cover his annual salary of €11 million for the duration of the loan. This move reunites Osimhen with former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens, who played a role in encouraging the transfer.  Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Osimhen was warmly welcomed by Galatasaray fans, expressing his excitement about joining the club and his eagerness to contribute on the field.

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