Chelle Clears Up Osimhen's Transfer Situation

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained his earlier comments about Victor Osimhen possibly leaving Galatasaray. He said the striker is happy at the Turkish club and that his absence from Nigeria’s recent matches was due to injury, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Chelle spoke after Nigeria’s 3-3 friendly draw with Russia in Nizhny Novgorod. He said his previous remarks about Osimhen’s future were misunderstood.

“Regarding my earlier comments about a possible transfer, they were misinterpreted. Viktor likes Galatasaray, and the club is happy with Viktor,” Chelle told the Russian Football Union.

“I consider him one of the best strikers in the world. When a player performs at such a level, there’s always talk of transfers around him. I never said he wanted or should leave the club.”

During the June international window, Chelle had said Osimhen was left out of the squad because of uncertainty over his future. He now says there is no conflict between the striker, Galatasaray, and the national team.

Chelle added that Osimhen missed Nigeria’s September AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because he did not fully recover from his injury.

“About 10-15 days before the international break, Victor got injured. We agreed that if he recovered and played for Galatasaray before the international break, the club would let him join us. But he couldn’t play in that game because he hadn’t recovered yet,” he said.

Osimhen was initially part of the squad but had to withdraw. He continued his recovery in Nigeria during the international break, and Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.

The 27-year-old got injured during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored the first goal but had to leave the match in the 33rd minute. Osimhen started the season well, scoring six goals and making two assists in his first four Süper Lig matches.

Osimhen is now getting ready to return. Galatasaray is reportedly thinking about giving him a limited role in the match against Kasımpaşa on Friday, October 9. This is ahead of their Champions League game against Barcelona four days later.