Nigeria Players Abroad
Ahmet Çakar alleges Galatasaray aware of Victor Osimhen’s undisclosed health condition
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Former referee and football doctor Ahmet Çakar has sparked a firestorm of speculation after alleging that Galatasaray are aware of an undisclosed chronic medical condition affecting Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Çakar, now a controversial football pundit on the Turkish TV show Derin Futbol, made the explosive claim during a recent episode, insisting that while he knows details of Osimhen’s health, he is unable to disclose them publicly due to a confidentiality agreement.
Çakar: “This Condition May Affect Osimhen for Life”
“I received information from the Ministry of Health regarding Victor Osimhen’s illness,” Çakar stated.
“As a sportsman and a father, I don’t want to go into details. But I find it wrong that this issue has not been discussed. I spoke with Galatasaray’s club doctor, Yener İnce, and he said, ‘The information you received is incorrect.’
“However, I stand by what I’ve heard — Osimhen’s illness is likely to affect him for the rest of his life.”
Claims Met with Denial, Yet Questions Remain
While Çakar emphasized that he had spoken with club medical officials, including Dr. İnce, he implied that Galatasaray and select health authorities are privy to the striker’s medical history.
“If these allegations are denied today or tomorrow, I’ll deal with the consequences through Dr. İnce,” Çakar added.
“Some countries need to be informed about certain illnesses, and in this case, that applies.”
Galatasaray officials have not issued an official statement addressing Çakar’s claims as of press time, and Osimhen himself has made no comment on the matter.
Rising Speculation Among Fans and Media
The remarks have ignited widespread speculation across Turkish and Nigerian football circles, with fans questioning the legitimacy, intent, and implications of Çakar’s statements — particularly given their timing, as Osimhen continues to adapt to life in Turkey following his recent high-profile move.
Medical privacy laws and ethical boundaries in professional sports have also come into focus, with critics questioning whether Çakar should have spoken publicly, even while withholding specific details.
Osimhen’s Form and Health History
Osimhen, 24, joined Galatasaray amid intense fanfare after a successful stint at Napoli, where he won the Serie A title and emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
He has previously suffered from high-profile injuries, including a facial fracture in 2021 and recurring muscle strains, but has never publicly confirmed any chronic illness.
What This Means Going Forward
With no official medical statement or clarification from Galatasaray, Osimhen’s status remains unchanged for now — but Çakar’s claims may raise further scrutiny around the club’s transparency and player welfare protocols.
