Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has clarified his earlier comments about Victor Osimhen’s future, insisting the striker remains happy at Galatasaray and was absent from Nigeria’s recent matches because of injury.
Chelle made the clarification after Nigeria’s 3-3 draw with Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, saying his previous remarks about a possible transfer had been misunderstood.
“Regarding my earlier comments about a possible transfer, they were misinterpreted. Victor likes Galatasaray, and the club is happy with Victor,” Chelle told the Russian Football Union.
The coach described Osimhen as one of the world’s best strikers, explaining that his performances naturally generate transfer speculation.
“I never said he wanted or should leave the club,” Chelle added.
The Malian coach had previously suggested during the June international window that Osimhen’s absence was linked to uncertainty surrounding his club future. He has now stressed that there was no disagreement between the player, Galatasaray and the Super Eagles.
Chelle also revealed that Osimhen missed Nigeria’s September AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because he had not recovered from an injury sustained shortly before the international break.
Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, after scoring before being forced off in the 33rd minute.
The 27-year-old had made an impressive start to the campaign, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances.
He has since continued his rehabilitation and is reportedly closing in on a return, with Galatasaray considering a limited appearance against Kasımpaşa before their Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Leave a comment