Nigeria Players Abroad
‘Victor Osimhen is half of Galatasaray’ – Turkish referee hails Nigerian star’s impact
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Turkish referee Ahmet Cakar has heaped praise on Victor Osimhen, describing the Nigerian striker as the key figure behind Galatasaray’s dominant domestic campaign.
Cakar, speaking on the BTV YouTube channel, said Osimhen has been instrumental to the Super Lig leaders and could be the decisive factor in their title push.
However, he expressed doubts about the club’s ability to retain the 26-year-old beyond the current season.
“Galatasaray has saddened one third of Türkiye. Osimhen means half of Galatasaray,” Cakar said.
“He scores goals, he makes them score. He has an incredible command of the air.”
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan for the 2024/25 season after a potential Premier League move failed to materialize last summer.
Napoli, his parent club, had demanded €75 million to trigger his release clause—an amount suitors like Manchester United and Chelsea were unwilling to meet.
The Nigerian opted for Galatasaray following a reported fallout with the Serie A club.
Since his arrival, Osimhen has been prolific, currently sitting just one goal shy of equaling his career-best tally of 31 goals, which he achieved during Napoli’s title-winning 2022/23 campaign.
With six league matches remaining, Galatasaray lead the Turkish Super Lig with 77 points, five ahead of José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. They have also reached the Turkish Cup final.
Cakar warned that Osimhen’s performances could reignite interest from major European clubs.
“Osimhen will make Galatasaray champions, but I don’t know if he’ll stay,” Cakar said.
“He might go to England or Spain next year. He’s the type of player who can destroy teams there.”
Galatasaray are reportedly eager to sign Osimhen on a permanent deal, but they face a stiff challenge in matching Napoli’s valuation amid rising interest from Europe’s elite.