Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen has declared his readiness to take Galatasaray to new heights in the UEFA Champions League, saying, “It’s time to make a statement in the most prestigious games.”
After shining for Lille and Napoli, the 26-year-old Super Eagles forward returns to Europe’s top competition in Galatasaray’s famous yellow and red, where he has already become a fan favourite. His move to the Turkish champions was made permanent this summer following a stellar loan spell during the 2024/25 season.
In an interview with UEFA, Osimhen said he shared a clear vision with the club’s leadership:
“I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League. We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete among the best in Europe.”
Osimhen’s journey from Olusosun, Lagos, to global football fame continues to inspire millions.
“I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me. It taught me resilience,” he said. “Whenever I go home, I visit to show gratitude and remind young kids that if I could make it out of there, they can too.”
The forward revealed that Galatasaray’s passionate fans have given him extra motivation.
“When I arrived in Istanbul, I had never seen anything like that before — thousands of fans at the airport at 3 am. 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 also paid tribute to his idol, Didier Drogba, who made history at Galatasaray.
“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 said. “In life, my biggest inspiration was my brother; he taught me how to hustle and never give up.”
With Galatasaray now seeking European glory, Osimhen believes the team’s resurgence could restore Turkish football’s pride 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 said.
