Victor Osimhen on Joining Galatasaray: "It Was Easy for Me to Accept Gala, It's a Big Club"

Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian striker, has shared his excitement about joining Turkish football powerhouse Galatasaray.

In a recent interview, Osimhen opened up about his decision to move to the Istanbul-based club and the factors that influenced his choice.

"It was easy for me to accept Gala, it's a big club," Osimhen remarked, highlighting the club's stature and his enthusiasm for the new challenge. The forward, who has been a standout performer for Napoli, credited his compatriot Henry Onyekuru for providing valuable insights. "Onyekuru told me how special the fans are. I saw how they welcomed me at the airport… I was so happy," he added, reflecting on the warm reception he received upon his arrival.

Osimhen also mentioned that he had been keeping an eye on Galatasaray since the arrival of Belgian star Dries Mertens. "I was already following Gala since Dries Mertens joined them, I can't wait now," he said, expressing his eagerness to start this new chapter in his career.

The Nigerian international has been assigned the number 45 shirt at Galatasaray, a number that holds personal significance for him. This number was his good-luck charm during his time at Belgian club Charleroi, and he hopes it will bring him similar success in Turkey.

Osimhen is set to make his debut for Galatasaray on September 15th, in a Turkish Süper Lig fixture against Rizespor. This match will take place immediately after the international break, during which Osimhen will join the Super Eagles camp for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying games. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on September 7th and the Amavubi of Rwanda on September 10th.