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Tag: victor osimhen

  • Osimhen Leads UEFA Champions League MOTM Chart

    Osimhen Leads UEFA Champions League MOTM Chart

    Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles forward, currently leads the UEFA Champions League Player of the Match standings with four awards, the highest tally by any player in the competition so far, according to UEFA.

    His latest recognition followed a stellar performance against Juventus, where he scored a crucial goal to help Galatasaray secure a 7–5 aggregate victory and qualify for the round of 16. The Nigerian striker’s contribution proved decisive in one of the most dramatic ties of the season.

    Osimhen has been in exceptional form throughout the campaign, netting seven goals in eight Champions League appearances. His attacking prowess, aerial dominance, and relentless pressing have been central to Galatasaray’s strong European run.

    The 27-year-old now sits ahead of several global football stars on the leaderboard, including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland, highlighting his impact on the continental stage.

    Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a permanent transfer from Napoli last summer. With the knockout stages underway, he will look to maintain his form as the Turkish champions aim to advance further in the Champions League.

  • Osimhen Moves to Take Legal Action Over Galatasaray Wage Dispute

    Osimhen Moves to Take Legal Action Over Galatasaray Wage Dispute

    Napoli and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has threatened to report Galatasaray to FIFA over unpaid wages, warning that he may refuse to play in matches if the situation is not promptly resolved. The issue was reported by Turkish journalist Dogus (@sollcampbell), who noted that Osimhen has already taken initial steps to address the matter through the international football governing body.

    Osimhen expressed frustration over the financial dispute, stating, “Football is not an arena for secret games, it’s a sport.” His remarks highlight growing tension between the striker and the Turkish club, raising concerns about the potential impact on his relationship with Galatasaray.

    The wage dispute comes amid broader financial pressures facing European football clubs, with increased scrutiny on teams to meet player obligations. Osimhen’s public threat underscores the challenges players face when clubs fail to honour contracts.

    FIFA’s involvement is expected to play a crucial role in resolving the matter, as the striker considers withholding participation in games to pressure the club into payment. The international body’s ruling could set a precedent for similar cases in the region.

    The situation is particularly significant for Osimhen’s career and Galatasaray’s performance, given his central role in the club’s forward line. Any prolonged dispute could affect both the striker’s form and the team’s competitiveness in upcoming fixtures.

  • Nevzat Dindar: Osimhen Did Not Send Warning Letter to Galatasaray

    Nevzat Dindar: Osimhen Did Not Send Warning Letter to Galatasaray

    Turkish journalist Nevzat Dindar has dismissed claims that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen sent a warning letter to Galatasaray over salary delays. Reports of a salary dispute surfaced online following Galatasaray’s 5-2 win against Juventus in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg.

    Dindar clarified that the alleged warning letter is “absolutely untrue,” noting that foreign players, including Osimhen, understand short-term delays in salary payments within legal limits. He added that Osimhen will be travelling to Italy for the second leg tie against Juventus on Wednesday without any financial concerns.

    The journalist explained that footballers’ salaries are guaranteed, and minor delays of one to two months are not unusual. Players are generally more interested in receiving performance-based bonuses, which Galatasaray had paid Osimhen ahead of the Juventus match.

    Dindar confirmed that Osimhen has no outstanding or unpaid salary from Galatasaray and emphasized that there is no extraordinary financial problem affecting the player. He highlighted that Osimhen continues to generate revenue for the club while being properly compensated.

    The clarification effectively puts to rest rumours of a salary crisis, assuring fans and stakeholders that Osimhen’s contractual and financial relations with Galatasaray remain stable and transparent ahead of the crucial Champions League second leg.

  • UCL: Osimhen Eyes New Record Against Manchester City

    UCL: Osimhen Eyes New Record Against Manchester City

    Victor Osimhen is aiming to set a new record when Galatasaray face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. The Nigeria international has already scored 12 goals in European competitions for the Turkish Super Lig champions.

    Osimhen currently shares Galatasaray’s European scoring record with Milan Baros and Shabani Nonda. A goal against Manchester City would make him the club’s most prolific scorer in Europe.

    This season, Osimhen has been in fine form, netting six goals in five Champions League appearances for coach Okan Buruk’s side.

    The match at Etihad Stadium presents an opportunity for Osimhen to further cement his legacy and enhance his reputation on Europe’s biggest stage.

    Galatasaray, known as the Yellow and Reds, will travel to Manchester City’s home ground, RAMS Park, to take on Pep Guardiola’s side in a highly anticipated Champions League clash.

  • Ferdinand: Osimhen Would Join Manchester United

    Ferdinand: Osimhen Would Join Manchester United

    Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has dismissed doubts raised by ex-Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan over Victor Osimhen’s willingness to join the Red Devils, insisting the Nigerian forward would accept a move if United made an offer.

    Gyan, speaking on the latest episode of Rio Presents, questioned why Manchester United and other Premier League giants failed to pursue Osimhen during the summer transfer window, while suggesting the striker might be reluctant to move to Old Trafford.

    Responding on the programme, Ferdinand was unequivocal. “Osimhen will join United,” he said. “If United offer to sign him, he will go — 100 percent.”

    Osimhen joined Turkish giants Galatasaray for £65 million this summer after an initial loan spell with the club. The 26-year-old has been prolific, scoring 47 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

    The Nigeria international has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable goal scorers, having previously played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph. He was also heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia before his switch to Turkey.

    Despite reported interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, none of the Premier League clubs completed a deal for Osimhen, opting instead to strengthen their attacks elsewhere.

    The decision surprised Gyan, who praised Osimhen’s work ethic and goal-scoring instinct. “He plays with heart and gives everything,” Gyan said. “I’m surprised the bigger clubs didn’t pick him up, but I still feel there’s a connection with Manchester United if he wants to go there.”

    United, Arsenal and Chelsea signed Benjamin Šeško, Viktor Gyökeres and João Pedro respectively, but the new forwards have faced early challenges this season.

    Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has since questioned his club’s decision, suggesting Osimhen would have been a better option, while ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel also expressed disappointment that the Blues did not move for the Nigerian striker.

  • Nigeria vs Morocco: Osimhen Comments on Referee Laryea’s Decisions

    Nigeria vs Morocco: Osimhen Comments on Referee Laryea’s Decisions

     

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has criticised the officiating of Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea following Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final defeat to Morocco on Wednesday.

    Osimhen described the refereeing as “bad” after the match ended goalless before Morocco defeated Nigeria 4–2 on penalties. Speaking during a post-match interview in Rabat, the Galatasaray forward said the officiating fell below expectations.

    “The game was nothing to write home about in terms of the officiating; it was that bad,” Osimhen said, while also congratulating Morocco and praising his teammates for their performance against a strong opponent.

    Nigeria will now turn their attention to the third-place match against Egypt on Saturday, with Osimhen hoping to inspire the Super Eagles to victory.

    Osimhen’s comments echoed those of teammate Bright Osayi-Samuel, who also criticised Laryea’s handling of the game. However, the referee received contrasting reactions, with Ghanaian lawmaker Patrick Yaw Boamah commending his “outstanding officiating.”

  • Burkina Faso Coach Picks Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025, Singles Out Osimhen

    Burkina Faso Coach Picks Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025, Singles Out Osimhen

    Burkina Faso’s technical director, Vincenzo Alberto Annese, has named Nigeria as his pick to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, singling out striker Victor Osimhen as the tournament’s standout forward.

    Nigeria will face Algeria in the AFCON quarter-final on Saturday, with Annese highlighting the Super Eagles’ attacking strength as a major factor.

    The Italian coach described Osimhen as the biggest threat in the tournament, emphasizing the striker’s impact on Nigeria’s performances.

    So far at AFCON 2025, Nigeria has scored the most goals, netting 12 across seven different players.

    Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have accounted for half of those goals, underlining their influence in the team’s offensive play.

    Speaking to Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Annese praised Nigeria’s attack, placing them alongside Ivory Coast as top contenders for the title.

    “Nigeria has good attacking force. They are among the top teams along with Ivory Coast, but I think they are more reliable,” he said.

    He also singled out Osimhen as the strongest centre-forward in the competition, noting that Nigeria’s game changes significantly whenever he is on the pitch.

    Osimhen, who has scored 34 goals for Nigeria, is now just three goals shy of equalling Rashidi Yekini’s record as the country’s all-time top scorer.

    Annese’s comments underscore Nigeria’s credentials as a title contender and highlight the pivotal role of Osimhen in the team’s campaign.

  • AFCON 2025: Lookman Plays Down Osimhen Dispute

    AFCON 2025: Lookman Plays Down Osimhen Dispute

     

    Photo credit: Channels Television

    Ademola Lookman has played down suggestions of a rift with Victor Osimhen following their on-field disagreement during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique on Monday, a result that sealed the Super Eagles’ place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals.

    Speaking after the match, Lookman described the incident as a normal football moment, insisting there were no personal issues between them. He praised Osimhen as a key figure in the team and stressed that the emphatic victory mattered more than any brief exchange, noting that both players remain united and focused on the team’s objectives.

    The confrontation occurred in the 63rd minute with Nigeria already three goals ahead, when Osimhen, chasing a hat-trick, reacted angrily after not receiving a pass. The situation required intervention from captain Wilfred Ndidi and others before Osimhen was later substituted.

    Ndidi later described the incident as a product of competitiveness, saying it was resolved internally. Lookman, who scored once and assisted two goals in the match, also dismissed personal ambitions for the Golden Boot, stating his priority was Nigeria’s progress. Head coach Eric Chelle confirmed the matter would be handled within the squad, as attention shifts to the quarter-finals and the Super Eagles’ push for continental success.

  • Nwabali Laments Goals Conceded Despite Eagles’ Win

    Nwabali Laments Goals Conceded Despite Eagles’ Win

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has said he was disappointed to concede goals despite Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday.

    The South Africa-based shot-stopper said allowing two late goals was painful, even though the team secured maximum points, adding that keeping a clean sheet remains his personal goal.

    Nigeria dominated much of the encounter, going into the break with a 1–0 lead after Victor Osimhen’s late first-half strike.

    Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman extended the advantage after the restart to give the Super Eagles a commanding 3–0 lead before Tunisia scored twice late in the game.

    Speaking to journalists after the match, Nwabali said conceding goals was never part of the plan.

    “We really don’t wish to concede. We always want to keep a clean sheet,” he said. “It pains me a lot when I concede, but we keep going as a team.”

    The goalkeeper has now conceded three goals in two matches at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

    Nwabali said he hopes to avoid conceding further goals, noting that clean sheets would improve his chances of competing for the tournament’s best goalkeeper award.

  • Gabon Coach Admits Shortcomings After 4-1 Loss To Nigeria

    Gabon Coach Admits Shortcomings After 4-1 Loss To Nigeria

    Panthers of Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma acknowledged that his team fell short in their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final against Nigeria.

    Gabon suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Super Eagles in Rabat on Thursday, as Nigeria dominated the encounter from the first half.

    The Super Eagles created several opportunities early, with strikers Victor Osimhen and Jerome Adams Akor threatening Gabon’s defence.

    Gabon showed renewed energy after the break but could not contain Nigeria’s attacking prowess, allowing the Super Eagles to secure a place in the final.

    Mouyouma admitted that his team struggled both offensively and defensively. “We were not good enough. We were not sharp enough in the offensive box, and we didn’t defend well in our defensive box. Nigeria did both and scored,” he said after the match.

    Despite the heavy scoreline, the coach insisted that it did not fully reflect his team’s efforts during the game.

    “The match was decided on fine margins. The scoreline doesn’t show how well we competed against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Africa,” Mouyouma added.

    The defeat ends Gabon’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, while Nigeria progresses to the final stage of the qualifiers.

    Mouyouma emphasized the need for his team to improve execution in critical areas as they regroup for future competitions.