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Tag: Osimhen

  • BREAKING! Major setback hits Super Eagles as Osimhen is ruled out of next match

    BREAKING! Major setback hits Super Eagles as Osimhen is ruled out of next match

    Major setback as Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the Super Eagles’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

    Osimhen, who was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, had initially been feared to be struggling with an ankle problem.

    However, the team doctor later confirmed the injury as a bruise on his shin.

    According to journalist Sulaimon Adebayor, popularly known as Pooja, quoting official NFF sources, Osimhen woke up with discomfort on Sunday morning and will not be traveling with the squad for Tuesday’s clash in Johannesburg against South Africa.

    Osimhen had only just returned to the national team setup this month after missing the Unity Cup triumph in May and the 1-1 draw with Russia.

    The 26-year-old, who scored twice against Rwanda in March, had a goal disallowed for offside before being forced off early on Saturday.

    His absence is a major blow for head coach Eric Chelle, who had hoped to rely on the striker’s firepower in the high-stakes encounter against Bafana Bafana.

  • W/Cup Qualifiers: Ekong, Osimhen, 21 others make final Super Eagles list

    W/Cup Qualifiers: Ekong, Osimhen, 21 others make final Super Eagles list

    Captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Victor Osimhen headline Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

    The list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday in Abuja, also includes midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi.

    Among the forwards are Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers and Moses Simon.

    Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns between the sticks, supported by defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, among others.

    Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returns, with Unity Cup stars Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks also named in the squad.

    Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare earned call-ups after strong performances in June’s friendly against Russia in Moscow.

    Super Eagles will face Rwanda on Sept. 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in a Matchday 7 fixture.

    They will then travel to Bloemfontein for Matchday 8 against South Africa on Sept. 9.

    Full squad:

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England).

    Others are, Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

    Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy).

    Also included are Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium) and Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).

    Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey).

    Others are Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

  • Victor Osimhen officially joins Galatasaray

    Victor Osimhen officially joins Galatasaray

    Victor Osimhen has officially been announced as a Galatasaray player after completing a permanent transfer from Serie A champions Napoli.

    The 26-year-old was met by thousands of excited Galatasaray fans at the airport after he flew into Istanbul to complete his long-awaited transfer.

    Galatasaray will pay a Turkish record fee of €75 million for the Nigeria international, who had a remarkably successful loan spell at the club last season.

    Osimhen was a key player for Okan Buruk’s side as they secured their third consecutive Super Lig title, scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in his 41 games.

    “I don’t know how to describe my feelings. I’m so excited, I’ve arrived at the place I love,” Osimhen told journalists when he landed.

    “I’m at home and I’m very happy. I’m happy to be back here. I thank the president, the vice president, George Gardi and Okan Buruk. I thank the fans who wanted me.

    “I’m happy to continue with Galatasaray. My story continues.”

  • Galatasaray, Napoli in “cold war” over Victor Osimhen

    Galatasaray, Napoli in “cold war” over Victor Osimhen

    Galatasaray’s continued pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly turned frosty with the two clubs said to be involved in a “cold war.”

    The 26-year-old spent last season on loan with the Turkish giants, where he scored an impressive 37 goals and provided seven assists in his 41 games.

    Galatasaray remain adamant in their pursuit of making that move permanent, but as of yet, have been unable to agree terms with Napoli.

    Napoli are understood to be holding out for Osimhen’s €75 million release clause and are unhappy with the terms they’ve been offered by Galatasaray.

    Their offer matches the asking price, but it would be paid in instalments rather than outright, and President Aurelio De Laurentiis is now making more demands.

    According to AS, he wants specific payment instalments, along with a ’20 per cent stake in Osimhen’s subsequent signing and a guarantee that the player would not be sold to Italian clubs for three years’.

  • How I narrowly escaped death- Super Eagles striker, Osimhen narrates encounter

    How I narrowly escaped death- Super Eagles striker, Osimhen narrates encounter

    Super Eagles striker and Napoli FC star, Victor Osimhen has revealed to everyone that cares to know how he narrowly escaped death.

    He revealed his shocking near-death experience, recounting the life-threatening facial injury he sustained during a 2021 Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan.

    Osimhen, made the revelation in an interview with Nigerian media personality, recently.

    He said: “It was a game against Inter Milan in San Siro. My teammates crossed the ball, so I wanted to head the ball and the guy was bringing his own head and hit my face. All the bones on my face were broken.”

    “I was seeing blank until their goalkeeper touched me — that was when I knew I was alive. It was a near-death injury.”

    “After about ten minutes on the floor, I stood and was taken directly to the hospital.”

    “I asked our team doctor when I would play again. I never knew the injury was that bad. Then, they did an X-ray… The doctor came and said I had to do surgery, as quickly as possible.”

    “I said I am not doing surgery. I cannot allow you to cut my face. He said no, they will go through my jaw and I cannot eat there for the rest of my life.”

    “It was recommended and the doctor said, left for him he will keep on wearing it (the mask) till he’s done.”

    “So I asked him what’s the risk and he said, ‘if you get the same hit again, you’re done.’”

    “There are worst injuries in football but I could have lost my eyes. That’s the reason why I put on the mask, so I can jump and head.”

  • Lookman dethrones Osimhen as ‘King of the Pitch’

    Lookman dethrones Osimhen as ‘King of the Pitch’

    Ademola Lookman, the reigning “African Footballer of the Year’ ‘, has once again added to feathers on his cap as he has emerged the `2024/2025 King of the Pitch’ at an award ceremony in Uyo.

    The Super Eagles and Atalanta BC sensation, Lookman, emerged winner of the Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch at the 11th award ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

    The organisers of the Prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards in a statement on Wednesday disclosed that the award ceremony was held after the World Cup Qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

    “The 11th Award ceremony was held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and  also witnessed the crowning of Rasheedat Ajibade, Super Falcons forward, as Queen of the Pitch,” it said.

    Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards restated the organisers’ determination to sustain the core values and tempo of the awards.

    He also pledged that organisers would continue to demonstrate faith in our footballers and administrators by hosting the annual event notwithstanding the challenges encountered.

    “While doing this, we appeal to Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles and other national teams,” he said.

    “In the Goalkeeper’s category, Chippa United goal stopper, Stanley Nwabali beat Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole to win the prize.

    “Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong starved off competition from fellow teammates Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC to emerge `Defender of the Year’ for the fourth time.

    “In the `Midfielder of the Year’ category, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and FC Augsburg’s Frank Onyema could not stop Alex Iwobi of Fulham FC. Iwobi has now won it for the third time,” it said.

    The organisers added: “The Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigeria Football has been one of the high points of previous Awards Ceremonies.

    “Kunle Soname emerged winner for the second time having outscored Nigerian Ex-international, Segun Odegbami and former Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa.

    “Telecom giant, MTN retained the Corporate Sponsor of Football award as Rangers International Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu won the Coach of the Year award. Rangers International carted home the `Team of the Year award’.

    “In the media category, Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News emerged winner of the `Football Journalist of the Year’ – Online. Other winners are Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers who was named “Football Journalist of the Year’ – Print.

    “Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV won the Football Journalist of the Year – TV and Tony Bekederemo of Brila Sports Radio was voted winner of the Football Journalist of the Year – Radio,” it said.

    Full List of winners

    Goalkeeper of the Year
    Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United
    Defender of the Year
    William Troost-Ekong – Al-kholood FC
    Midfielder of the Year- Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC
    Striker of the Year- Ademola Lookman – Atalanta BC
    Team of the Year- Rangers International FC
    Coach Of the Year- Fidelis Ilechukwu – Rangers Intl FC
    Sam Okwaraji Award- Kunle Soname – Bet9ja
    State With the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme – Lagos State
    Football Pitch of the Year- Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium
    Football Friendly Governor of the Year- His Excellency, Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State
    Corporate Sponsor of Football Award- MTN Nigeria
    Sportsmanship Award- Kunle Soname – Chairman, Remo Stars
    Football Journalist of the Year – Print- Charles Diya – New Telegraph Newspapers
    Football Journalist of the Year – TV- Cecilia Omorogbe – Channels TV
    Football Journalist of the Year – Radio- Anthony Bekederemo – Brila 88.9 FM
    Football Journalist of the Year – Online -Samuel Ahmadu – Savid News
    Queen of the Pitch – Rasheedat Ajibade – Atlético de Madrid Femenino
    King Of the Pitch – Ademola Lookman – Atalanta BC.

  • Odegbami tips Osimhen to break Yekini’s goal record

    Odegbami tips Osimhen to break Yekini’s goal record

    Segun Odegbami, a former member of the Green Eagles of Nigeria, has tipped Super Eagles goal poacher Victor Osimhen to break the long-standing Rashidi Yekini international goal record.

    Odegbami stated this in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos.

    He applauded Osimhen for surpassing his long-standing 44-year-old record as the second-highest goal scorer for the senior national team.

    The Galatasaray FC of Turkey point man, broke Odegbami’s long standing record to move into the position as the second highest goal scorer for the senior national team.

    Osimhen scored a brace in the 2-0 win over the Wasps of Rwanda by the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifier held in Kigali on Friday.

    The lanky forward scored his 24th and 25th goals for the Eagles to occupy the second place on Nigeria’s all-time leading scorers list.

    The feat falls behind only the late Rashidi Yekini, who held the record with 37 goals.

    The record which Osimhen now holds was formerly held by Odegbami, who during his time was known as `Mathematical’ Odegbami.

    He said his record and that of legendary Yekini had stood for too long; hence there was a need for young strikers to step up their games.

    “Osimhen knows how to do what he does very well, he is a goal poacher, who is reliable, you don’t see him exhibit too much finesse, skills and dribbling.

    “He is more focused and not a showman; hand always around the box burying goals in the net and because that is what he is cut out for, with me, he will go far.

    “I hope he will end  Yekini’s long reign because Yekini has been there for so long.

    “ I only played less than six years and  kept the record for so long, that means we are not producing top strikers well enough.

    “In fact I wasn’t a striker myself, only playing from the wings so I think it is a good thing with Osimhen and with his age, he has more years ahead of him to surpass Yekini.

    “I am wishing Osimhen the best of luck,” he said.

    NAN reports that for Osimhen to beat the long-standing record of Yekini, he will need to score 12 more goals of 37, a record set in 1998.

  • Why Super Eagles star the perfect striker for Chelsea – Pennant

    Why Super Eagles star the perfect striker for Chelsea – Pennant

    Jermaine Pennant has revealed why Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is the perfect man for Premier League side Chelsea.

    The Blues missed out on signing the Nigerian international despite making a late push for the striker as he neared the exit at Napoli.

    However, the former Liverpool player is backing the Stamford Bridge giants to revive their pursuit of the former African Player of the Year, who is in excellent form for Galatasaray.

    “He (Osimhen) would change things for Chelsea without a shout of a doubt. He knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. His numbers are flying in, his numbers are great,” Pennant told Talk Sports.

    “I’m gonna look back to Jackson and how many chances he gets a game, but the conversion rate isn’t great. He can have three or four clear-cut chances and he won’t put any of them away.

    “You’re scratching your head, thinking about how have Chelsea come away with a draw or a loss. I think someone like Osimhen, who is prolific in front of goal would boost Chelsea or boost any team.”

    Osimhen turned down a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ahli had an €80 million (£68m/$88m) offer accepted, ultimately agreeing to a season-long loan in Turkey.

  • Galatasaray chief reveals Osimhen transfer plan

    Galatasaray chief reveals Osimhen transfer plan

    Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu has revealed that striker Victor Osimhen is wanted by five of the world’s top clubs and he will reveal his decision within the next month.

    He told Sport Mediaset, Kavukcu revealed that the Turkish side will do everything they can to sign the 26-year-old, who is on loan from Napoli, permanently, but they will face some tough competition.

    Kavukcu said: “Osimhen will announce his decision in April. At the moment, five of the world’s top clubs are interested in him.

    “His arrival here was a dream – he came, and for now, he is playing with us. In January, there was talk of a transfer, but he stayed.

    “He loves Galatasaray very much. Right now, he is the dream of all our rivals. Although we are focused on winning the title, we have not had direct discussions with Victor yet. There is no point in talking about it now.

    “Galatasaray are a top-level club – if it weren’t, Victor wouldn’t have come. His stay at Galatasaray is not as impossible as it may seem.”

    The Nigeria international has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal over the past few transfer windows.

    Osimhen has impressed during his loan spell in Turkey, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists in his 30 games across all competitions.

  • Osimhen hits brace to restore Nigeria’s World Cup hope

    Osimhen hits brace to restore Nigeria’s World Cup hope

    On-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored twice on Friday to revive Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a crucial victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi.

    The Super Eagles started the match brightly, controlling proceedings from the outset.

    Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.

    The former Napoli forward doubled Nigeria’s lead three minutes into first-half injury time, finishing off a counterattack to silence the packed Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

    Details to follow…