Ernest Osogbue.
There is no doubt that Victor Osimhen is one of the most productive goal scorers in football today. The list of strikers able to do what Osimhen can do in front of goal, could be counted on the fingers of one hand. His goals return per game, over the last few seasons, is testament to this fact, yet outside of only two seasons at Napoli, Osimhen has spent the bulk of his senior career outside the top five leagues in Europe.
After leading Napoli to its first Scudetto in the 2022-23 season, 33 years after the era of Diego Maradona, when they last won the Italian title, it was expected that Osimhen would secure a move to the English Premier League the following season, after repeated statements from him, that the EPL was his dream football league. Unfortunately, however, off-field issues involving him and the then Napoli manager Antonio Conte, resulted in an acrimonious last few weeks in Italy, before he was shipped off on loan to Galatasaray, in the Turkish süper Lig. The move became permanent the following season, after Osimhen, once again, helped the Turkish giants to a cup and league double.
Despite this situation, analysts still believed that Galatasaray would not be able to hold on to Osimhen, not because of financial reasons, or because the Turkish league was not prestigious enough, but because footballers of Osimhen’s caliber, were usually much sort after by bigger clubs in Europe. When a move did not materialize after his stellar showing for Galatasaray in his first season, analysts were of the view, that his regular injuries, and the prospects of a team losing him to the Africa Cup of Nations, was responsible. Incidentally, many other African players ply their trade in Europe, and playing at the Afcon, has never been a hindrance. As for injuries, they are a part of football, besides, Osimhen usually makes up for his injury absences, by being more potent in front of goal after any absences.
A few seasons ago, there was so much noise about an imminent move to Chelsea. But despite the efforts of Osimhen’s idol, and former Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, the much anticipated move never materialized. Another off season is here, and the transfer window may likely close in early September, yet, Osimhen remains in the books of Galatasaray. For the avoidance of doubt, Osimhen is very comfortable in Turkey, where he earns a good pay, and is adored by the fanatical Galatasaray fans. However, while money and adoration remain very important in a footballers life, for players of Osimhen’s quality, representing a big club, where the prospects of competing and winning the top domestic and continental trophies regularly is very crucial. That is why Osimhen’s continued stay in the Turkish league without suitors from bigger clubs becomes worrisome.
Chelsea are currently in need of a striker, last season, Arsenal needed a striker of Osimhen’s quality, but settled for Victor Gyokeres. This season again, Arsenal are in the market for a goal poacher like Osimhen. Liverpool would equally do a deal if they find a quality striker, but Osimhen has not been mentioned. Tottenham Hotspurs are equally in the market for a potent marksman, same as Manchester United, and a few other big clubs. There are indications currently, that European champions PSG, Tottenham Hotspurs, and Arsenal have mentioned Osimhen’s name as a possible transfer target, but until the deal is done between any club and Galatasaray, everything remains in the realms of gossip and speculation, which we have seen before. It becomes even more troubling, when these reputable clubs show a casual interest in Osimhen, and ultimately walk away.
That Victor Osimhen has an aggressive style of play is not the problem, some managers even admire that in a top striker. Beyond his style of play, however, is the player’s attitude both on and off the field. In a recent pre season friendly against Villarreal, Osimhen advertised his lack of proper emotional management, when Villarreal defender Santiago Mourino body checked him in the Villarreal box, rather than take it in good faith, and use it as motivation to later get the better of the defender, Osimhen deliberately and blatantly retaliated, causing a melee that could have earned him a red card. It was absolutely an unnecessary reaction from a player of his stature. It exposed his lack of control, and lack of polish. It was one outburst too many, in a career already blotted with numerous on and off field clashes with opposing players, managers, and even teammates.
Osimhen’s clash with former Super Eagles manager Finidi George, is well documented, with most people believing that their misunderstanding largely contributed to the Super Eagles failure to clinch a 2026 world cup berth. At Napoli, outside of Antonio Conte, Osimhen also clashed with coach Rudi Garcia, over his substitution in a game, a situation that equally manifested under the fatherly Luciano Spalletti, following Osimhen’s aggressive play in training. At the 2026 Afcon, Osimhen also clashed with the Tunisian bench, after scoring against them, and then making an offensive gesture, in a 3-2 group stage victory for the Super Eagles. His outburst against Ademola Lookman and Bruno Onyemachi, leading to his being substituted, in a 4-0 win over Mozambique at the same competition, remains unforgettable. In an Istanbul derby against Besiktas in 2025, Osimhen grabbed Emirhan Topcu, an opposing defender by the neck, after an aggressive tackle, which almost led to a free-for-all. He equally vented his spleen on his teammate Yunus Akgun in a game against Kayerispor sometime last season, for failing to pass him the ball.
These are only a few of the uncharacteristic petulance of Victor Osimhen, which may prevent him from securing a move to a bigger European club. The point remains that no matter how good a player is, no serious manager desirous of guiding his team to winning the most prestigious national and continental trophies, would hire a player who could uncharacteristically earn a red card, or who could confront him in training, or even disrupt the harmony of the dressing room. By now, everyone knows Osimhen’s grass to grace story. The story of how his humble beginnings, and upbringing in Olusosun, a ramshackle suburb of Ikeja, in Lagos, shaped his early life. We all know, of how by shere self determination and the desire to survive and succeed, he was able to lift himself to his present status. Those attributes should however, not be the ultimate definition of his personality. Osimhen needs to realize that he is no longer living in Olusosun, where he must always defend himself, or where he must respond to every provocation. He should know that he is now an elite footballer, whose every move and action is monitored and analyzed by pundits around the world. He plays in a game with rules and behavioral boundaries. On no account must he take the law into his hands, and defend himself against fellow players; be they teammates, or opponents. He must allow the official arbiters of the game to do their duty.
He needs to learn from people like his idol Didier Drogba, and understand that defenders would always tackle and provoke a dangerous striker. Harry Kane is currently one of the most productive strikers in the world, yet, you could scarcely see him lose his cool despite numerous tackles, and deliberate efforts by defenders to provoke him. The same could be said of Kylian Mbappe, who is much younger than Osimhen. The battles between Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel Megalhàes, are legendary in the EPL. Yet, Haaland still manages to score against Arsenal, and even got the better of Gabriel at the recent world cup. This proves that the striker is more at advantage than the defender.
Osimhen must therefore, not allow his Olusosun upbringing to limit his football career. The time has come for him to realize that he is now in elite company, and must imbibe the social behaviors of an upper class footballer, and that he must do away with uncouth Olusosun ghetto attitudes. We sincerely hope that one of the deals currently being speculated, ultimately materilizes. Which would be a good thing for the player. Those surrounding Osimhen, especially family members, friends, business associates, and those in his social circle, must look beyond the perks they receive from him, and tell him the blatant truth; it is time for him to polish up his attitude and wash off any influence of Olusosun when he is on the football field. Officials at the NFF, could also chip in, if given the opportunity. If he fails to heed this advice, it is likely that he may not enjoy the full potential of his football talents, which may lead to regrets in later life. A word is enough…
