Nigeria Players Abroad
Rumour Mills: Okocha urges Osimhen to remain at Galatasaray after record-breaking season

By Wale Mustapha
Former Nigeria captain Austine Jay-Jay Okocha has advised Victor Osimhen to consider committing his future to Turkish champions Galatasaray, following a standout loan spell with the club.
Osimhen, 26, joined Galatasaray on loan from Serie A side Napoli for the 2024/25 season, during which he scored an impressive 37 goals across all competitions.
His prolific form earned him the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.
With his loan deal now concluded, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. He is widely expected to leave Napoli on a permanent basis this summer, and while Galatasaray are eager to retain his services, the Nigerian striker is also attracting interest from top clubs across Europe and the Saudi Pro League.
Okocha, who previously starred for Galatasaray’s rivals Fenerbahçe, encouraged Osimhen to reflect carefully on his next move, suggesting that staying in Turkey could offer long-term benefits.
“Turkey is a great place to play and live football,” Okocha told TRT Spor via Haberler. “Sometimes, you may need to make sacrifices when making decisions in football.”
“Osimhen had a great season at Galatasaray. Ultimately, he is happy there. Why should he not stay with the team? I love Turkey. He loves it too.”
While respecting the striker’s right to explore other opportunities, Okocha concluded by wishing him success wherever he chooses to go.
Osimhen’s transfer saga is expected to be one of the most closely watched stories of the summer window as clubs line up for one of Africa’s most lethal forwards.