Nigeria’s premier forward, Victor Osimhen, has laid out his high ambitions for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. The striker has publicly declared his mission to elevate the Turkish club on the continental stage, asserting, “It’s time to make a statement in the most prestigious games.”
The 26-year-old has returned to Europe’s elite tournament draped in the iconic yellow and red of Galatasaray.
He quickly cemented his status as a fan favorite after his successful 2024/25 loan spell was converted to a permanent transfer this summer.
Driven by Resilience and a New Challenge
The Super Eagles star confirmed his intense focus on European success in a recent interview. “I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League,” Osimhen revealed.
Osimhen articulated the club’s evolving goal: “We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete among the best in Europe.”
His journey, marked by relentless determination, began in the humble Lagos community of Olusosun. “I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me. It taught me resilience,” Osimhen recalled. He actively engages with his home community to inspire young kids, reminding them that success is attainable if they work hard.
Fuelled by Passion and a Legendary Example
That same powerful drive is reinforced by the passionate Turkish fan base. Osimhen was overwhelmed by his airport welcome. “I had never seen anything like that before thousands of fans at the airport at 3 am,” he shared.
“It gives you that fire to give everything for the badge. I absolutely love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them—the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Osimhen’s path mirrors that of his childhood football hero, Didier Drogba, a Galatasaray legend known for his Champions League feats. “In football, my hero was Drogba. I watched him and learned from how he played and lived. I tried to add his qualities to my own game,” he stated. His brother, however, remains his biggest inspiration in life, teaching him the importance of hustle and unwavering perseverance.
With Galatasaray determined to secure greater European recognition, Osimhen is confident his leadership can restore the pride of Turkish football on the continental stage.
“We are the biggest club in Turkey, and one of the biggest in the world. Now, we want to prove it in the Champions League,” he affirmed.
