Victor Osimhen has clarified his future after Nigeria national team manager suggested the forward was leaving Galatasaray.
Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies with Poland and Portugal due to personal reason but conversations shifted when Eric Chelle hinted the striker was leaving his club.
Asked about why Osimhen wasn’t playing, Chelle said: “We will miss two players because for Victor Osimhen, he had maybe to change a club, so I prefer that he stays, because if you play and you are not at hundred percent, this is not good.
“And [Ademola] Lookman is very tired, and Atletico has asked us to let him, so we will travel with 18 players.”
Victor Osimhen celebrates victory during the Trendyol Süper Lig match between Galatasaray and Antalyaspor at Rams Park Stadium on May 9, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
However, the former Napoli striker has now released a statement to deny the report, insisting that Chelle misunderstood him.
He also insisted that there was no problem between the Super Eagles head coach and himself.
On Instagram, he said: “Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion.
“He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.
“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.
“He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup meaning these two matches are purely friendlies.
Since moving initially on loan to Turkey in 2024, Osimhen has made goalscoring look easy.
The forward has 59 goals in 74 appearances for Galatasaray, while he has added some trophies to his cabinet as well.
Osimhen has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, however, there are low chances he’ll switch club this summer.
