Victor Osimhen’s Future Unclear After Turkish Triumph

Victor Osimhen has returned to Napoli following a prolific loan spell in Turkey, though uncertainty hangs over his next destination after surprising Galatasaray fans with a 37-goal season.

His goals fired the Istanbul giants to the Süper Lig title this term, but he remains out of favour with Napoli boss Antonio Conte. With just one year left on his current contract, the Nigerian striker is expected to move on.

National team coach Eric Chelle, speaking to BBC Sport Africa, acknowledged the delicate timing of international duty as the striker weighs up his future during the summer transfer window.

“Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world,” said Chelle. “For him it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure. The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%.

“I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move].

“Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that.”

Now 26, Osimhen sits second on Nigeria’s all-time international goal list, having scored 26 times for his country. His absence due to injury earlier in World Cup qualifying proved costly, with the Super Eagles taking just three of a possible 12 points without him. Since returning in March, he has contributed three goals across a win over Rwanda and a draw against Zimbabwe.

A former Wolfsburg and Lille forward, Osimhen led the line for Nigeria as they finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. According to Chelle, his desire to compete never switches off.

“He wants to win everything during training. It’s crazy. When the training session finishes he wants to stay on the pitch and score again and again. I think maybe even when he sleeps he wants to score too.”

Nigeria next heads to Moscow for a friendly against Russia, fresh off winning the Unity Cup. That victory included a 2-1 success over Ghana and a narrow shootout win over Jamaica. Though the Russians remain suspended from competitive action following the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Chelle expects a good test ahead of September’s crucial qualifiers.

“Russia is a great nation of football,” he said. “They need to play some international games because [with] the war it is difficult for them. They have lots of great players in their league.

“I think a lot of people will come to watch the game. The reality is we work for September, for the next window for the World Cup qualifiers. This is our goal.”