Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has clarified his earlier comments about Victor Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray, insisting that the Nigerian striker is happy at the Turkish club.
Chelle said his previous remarks suggesting Osimhen could move to a bigger club had been misinterpreted, stressing that he never claimed the forward wanted to leave Galatasaray.
The coach made the clarification following Nigeria’s 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod.
“My previous comments regarding a possible transfer of Osimhen were misinterpreted. Victor loves Galatasaray and the club is happy with him,” Chelle said, according to Turkish outlet Habersarikirmizi.
“I consider Osimhen one of the best strikers in the world. When a player performs at this level, there are always transfer rumours surrounding him. I never said that he wanted to leave the club or that he should leave.”
Chelle’s latest comments come after he discussed the possibility of Osimhen joining a bigger club during the summer transfer window, prompting speculation about the striker’s long-term future in Turkey.
Osimhen has attracted attention with his performances for Galatasaray, where he has established himself as a key figure in the club’s attack.
However, Chelle’s clarification indicates that his earlier remarks were not intended to suggest that the 27-year-old was unhappy or seeking an exit.
The Nigeria coach also reaffirmed his high regard for Osimhen, describing him as one of the world’s leading strikers while acknowledging that players performing at an elite level are naturally linked with transfer speculation.
