Sports
EXPOSED: Expert Reveals How Victor Osimhen’s Career In Danger
Serie A giants Napoli are at odds with Victor Osimhen, blocking all avenues to ensure frustration persists for the player, who has already indicated that he will fight back in any circumstance to force his way out of the club.
Napoli, it is reported, are dealing with a ‘time bomb’ because they will not reinstate the striker into the squad. They also accuse Osimhen of having previously refused to play for the club.
There are also suggestions from Il Mattino that while a deal with Al-Ahli was agreed, it was Aurelio de Laurentiis who increased the asking price at the last minute and that annoyed the Saudi club.
To exposed the Italian club’s plans on the Nigerian striker, Zeki Uzundurukan, a Turkish football analyst, said that Italian sports media are spinning false transfer stories claiming that Victor Osimhen will join Al Hilal.
He has already rejected Al Hilal
The 26-year-old has two main suitors at this stage of the transfer window: Galatasaray and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
However, as Pulse Sports reported, he has already rejected an offer worth around €40 million a year from the Riyadh-based club. And by some accounts, they returned with an improved bid, which he turned down again, leaving his options open to European admirers.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, have received no such disappointing news from the Nigerian; however, he has not given a positive response either and is still stalling.
What Uzundurukan said
Zeki stated that Italian sources are misleading their audience by claiming Osimhen was amenable to an Al Hilal transfer, when in fact the opposite is true. Also, he expressed confidence in Galatasaray’s ability to land the Nigerian.
“Osimhen and Okan Buruk have a phone conversation and say, ‘We are waiting for you’. It was a very good conversation. Osimhen is already warm to Galatasaray,” Uzundurukan said, per GsGazette.
“They are also sorting out the financial issues with Napoli. All 3 sponsors will cover a large portion of the transfer fee. There will be striking developments in favour of Galatasaray this week. Al-Hilal has already made the necessary moves, and they will now withdraw.
“The Italian press is making up stories and saying he will go to the Arabs. It is a complete lie. If Osimhen had gone, he would have gone long ago, and Al-Hilal would have raised his offer already. If there had been no direct participation in the Champions League, he might not have stayed at Galatasaray.
“I think he will stay. I think Osimhen will join the Galatasaray camp and start the new season without missing too much training. If Osimhen has problems, they will meet with Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen.”
Nigeria continued its impressive campaign at the African Open Para Powerlifting Championship on Friday, recording another dominant performance as the team finished the day with five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Competing in Oran, Team Nigeria once again displayed remarkable strength and technical quality across several weight categories, reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading forces in para powerlifting.Nigerian athlete profiles
In the women’s 41kg category, Anifat Ganiyu secured gold after a commanding display that set the tone for the team’s successful outing.
Nigeria’s medal haul continued in the women’s 50kg category, where Ajiboye Rukayat delivered a gold medal-winning performance, while compatriot Nworgu Esther claimed silver in the same event.
In the women’s 73kg category, Ani Chiamaka added another gold medal to Nigeria’s tally with an outstanding performance.
The standout moment of the day came in the women’s 79kg category, where Rita Ferdinard produced a record-breaking performance to secure gold and set a new African record.
Rita successfully lifted 138kg to clinch the gold medal before improving her mark with a 148kg lift. She then raised the bar further and made history with an impressive 154kg lift to establish a new African record, drawing applause from spectators and officials at the championship.
In the men’s 88kg category, Riluwan Idris Sabo contributed to the medal haul with a bronze medal finish.
At the close of Friday’s events, Team Nigeria had amassed a total of five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, further underlining the nation’s strong presence at the continental championship ahead of the remaining events.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has dismissed all speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future, insisting the striker’s situation remains unchanged despite growing transfer rumours.
Osimhen has been strongly linked with a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Osimhen Not For Sale
Ozbek maintained that the Turkish Super Lig champions are not willing to consider any offers for the Nigeria international.
“We are not considering selling Osimhen. Osimhen is an important player for Galatasaray, Ozbek told HT Spor
“We are not considering selling an important player in our championship race. Putting a price on someone you don’t intend to sell is like counting your chickens before they hatch. We don’t have such a thing in mind.
“Osimhen is making the second-generation Galatasaray fans happy.”
The 27-year-old initially joined the Yellow and Reds on loan from Serie A club Napoli in 2024, before the move was made permanent last summer.
The powerful striker registered 26 goals, and four assists in 30 league appearances to help Okan Buruk’s side win a domestic double in the 2024/25 season.
He also claimed the top scorers’ prize for the season, enhancing his profile as one of the best strikers in the world.
Osimhen scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, playing a key role in helping the club retain the Süper Lig title and reach the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Return To International Scene
The former Lille star was named in Nigeria’s squad for next month’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal by head coach Éric Chelle earlier this week.
Osimhen is making a return to the Super Eagles fold after missing the team’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan in March.
Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally won the Saudi Pro League title.
They were confirmed champions on Thursday, thanks to a 4-2 win over relegation battlers Damac.
The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week.
Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.
Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, as his brace helped Al Nassr secure the title ahead of rivals Al Hilal.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the first half, before second half goals by Kingsley Coman and Ronaldo’s double sealed the victory.
NNPC Releases New Petrol Prices at Filling Stations Nationwide; State-by-state Costs Emerge
Yorubaland No Longer Safe, Terror Cells Expanding — Gani Adams
Taraba 2027: Kefas Secures APC Ticket For Second Term
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Politics2 days agoList Of Tinubu Ex- Ministers Crash Out Of APC Governorship Primaries
-
News2 days agoYorubaland No Longer Safe, Terror Cells Expanding — Gani Adams
-
Entertainment2 days agoFailed Relationships Made Me Freeze My Eggs — Ashmusy
-
Sports2 days agoGalatasaray President Rules Out Osimhen Exit
-
Business2 days ago35 Million Nigerians Risk Acute Hunger In Coming Months — UN
-
Sports2 days agoFive Gold Medals And African Record Highlight Nigeria’s Success In Algeria
-
Politics2 days agoTaraba 2027: Kefas Secures APC Ticket For Second Term
-
Business11 hours agoNNPC Releases New Petrol Prices at Filling Stations Nationwide; State-by-state Costs Emerge