Victor Osimhen has revealed his efforts to persuade his Super Eagles teammates, Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika, to join him at Galatasaray, calling the Turkish club “one of the best in the world.”
The striker shared that he personally spoke with Lookman ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier, giving him a firsthand account of life at the Istanbul-based club. “I told him about the fans, the atmosphere, and how welcoming the club is. I wanted him to feel what it would be like if he came here,” Osimhen said. He added that while he encouraged Lookman, the final decision rests with the player himself. “He’s an adult and will make the choice that’s best for him, but having him here would be amazing for the club and the team.”
Osimhen also reached out to Onyedika during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third. “I spoke with him before returning to Istanbul. He’s a very talented and fluid player, and I hope he makes the move. I’m waiting to hear back from him, his agent, and his club,” he said, emphasizing that his role is simply to showcase the opportunity Galatasaray offers.
However, the path for Onyedika’s potential move faces a major hurdle, as Club Brugge remain firm in blocking a January transfer. The Belgian side, according to reports, are not willing to let the 24-year-old midfielder leave mid-season despite Galatasaray’s interest. Any move in January would require an offer Brugge “cannot refuse,” though the club’s stance could shift during the summer, with Onyedika under contract until 2027. Since joining Club Brugge in 2022, he has made 165 appearances, scored eight goals, and won both the Belgian league and cup, following earlier success in Denmark with FC Midtjylland.
While the transfer saga continues, both Osimhen and his teammates have remained active on the pitch. Galatasaray drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid following the AFCON break, Lookman set up a goal in Atalanta’s 3-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, and Onyedika helped Club Brugge dominate Kairat Almaty 4-1 away.
Osimhen’s calls for his teammates to join him highlight not only his belief in Galatasaray as a top club but also his desire to see Nigerian talent thrive together in Europe.
