AFCON 2025
Super Eagles of Nigeria star Victor Osimhen says Galatasaray is like a family, brands Mertens a big brother.
Nigerian professional football player Victor Osimhen has completed a loan transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray.
Galatasaray agreed to pay the 25-year-old Nigerian international six million euros ($6.65 million) net for the 2024–2025 season to seal the deal.
Saudi team Al-Ahli and the Premier League powerhouse Chelsea were reportedly interested in signing the striker.
Osimhen ended up at Galatasaray, despite being a target for other clubs during the transfer season.
Osimhen on decision to join Galatasaray
After formally agreeing to a deal that binds him to Galatasaray for the end of the season, Victor Osimhen shared his emotions on his new adventure.
The Nigerian player highlighted that he keeps a close eye on the team’s games and said that it was simple for him to decide after learning of Galatasaray’s interest.
Osimhen said, “When I heard about Galatasaray’s interest, it was an easy decision for me.
“I knew how big Galatasaray was, how much of a family it felt like. It has incredible fans.
“Henry Onyekuru is my friend. He played for Galatasaray. He told me how great 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 such excitement, and I was very happy about that.
“Such things are important for a player. I want to do everything I can for them. I am eagerly waiting for this project. I am very excited.”
The star center forward, expressed his excitement at getting back to work with Dries Mertens after playing together at Napoli.
He added, “Dries Mertens was always with me when I went to Italy. He was like a big brother to me.
“He is someone I respect very much, I am very excited to be his teammate again. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates as soon as possible.”
Osimhen is expected to join up with the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and the Amavubi of Rwanda.
