Super Eagles dare-devil striker Victor Osimhen has shared his experiences at Galatasaray, revealing advice he received from Henry Onyekuru prior to his transfer.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in the summer and has quickly made an impact, netting eight goals and providing four assists in just nine games across all competitions.
Osimhen’s impressive form has also translated to international football, where he scored a crucial goal in the 81st minute during Nigeria’s match against Benin in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
This goal helped secure a 1-1 draw, ensuring Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco with a game still to play.
In an interview with reporters Osimhen reflected on his time in Istanbul, expressing his amazement at the warmth and unity of the Galatasaray community.
“So far my experience in Istanbul in Galatasaray has been really overwhelming,” he stated.
“When coming I didn’t really expect it to be this massive. To be able to come to a great club like Galatasaray and see how United this club is and how big of a family they are, I think it’s really amazing to see.”
The Nigerian forward has also been touched by the love and support from the fans.
“Whenever I go to a restaurant, whenever they see me, they are always appreciative of me coming to their club,” he noted.
“But of course, I am thanking them for accepting me. For making me feel loved and welcome and also wanted.”
Osimhen emphasized his commitment to the club and its supporters, stating that his motivation on the pitch goes beyond personal ambition
“That’s why any time I go on the field I want to first of all, play for them, get goals and as well as winning before my own personal ambition,” he affirmed.
Osimhen recalled his first days at the Istanbul giants, revealing advice he received from fellow Nigerian, Henry Onyekuru.
“When I first came, I spoke with Henry (Onyekuru) and he said something like, whenever you have a game, maybe you score like an amazing game, many of the players will push you to go have your moments with the fans,” Osimhen said.
He elaborated on the unique celebration ritual that quickly became a staple among the Galatasaray squad.
“And they are used to do something, where you would allow them to scream a lot and then you tell them to be quiet, then you hit and move and clap three times and move your hands up and everything like that,” he explained.
“For me, these are moments that every of the players at the club cherish because the fans they deserve the moment. So for me, it’s really amazing.”
