Victor Osimhen: From Loan Sensation to Turkish King

Victor Osimhen's footballing journey has been one of constant evolution and triumph. After a historic Scudetto win with Napoli, the super eagles player's career took an unexpected, yet ultimately very brilliant, turn with a loan move to Galatasaray. That temporary move has since blossomed into a permanent residency, with Osimhen cementing his legacy as a prolific goalscorer and as a defining figure in Galatasaray and Turkish football.

A Sensational Campaign: 2024-2025 Season Stats

Osimhen's 2024-2025 campaign with Galatasaray was a masterclass in attacking football as he was the spearhead of a team that swept aside domestic rivals to claim both the Turkish Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup as His individual numbers were nothing short of breathtaking.

Across all competitions, where he played a total of 41 matches, he scored a remarkable 37 goals and provided 7 assists.

Osimhen's league form was particularly dominant, where he scored a total of 26 goals that earned him the Süper Lig Golden Boot, which was a historic achievement for a Nigerian player, as this goal tally also made him the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season for the Turkish Giants. It was an astonishing feat for a player who was on a one-year loan.

To put Osimhen's season in perspective, let us compare his 2024-2025 season to other top African strikers currently in Europe. Guinea's Serhou Guirassy had 38 goals and 9 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. Egypt's Mohamed Salah also had a prolific season with 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. Victor Osimhen's 37 goals were a testament to his lethal finishing and his ability to adapt to a new league with ease, a quality that has set him apart from many of his peers.

Although many may suggest that his numbers came in a lesser league, they were significantly higher than the numbers from top European strikers, such as Mbappe, who had 31 goals, Haalaland with 22 and Harry Kane, who had 26. The fact that he outperformed them is a testament to his talents and proof of his ability to adapt to more than one style of football. He scores with both feet and his head, and works tirelessly on and off the pitch.

While the level of competition in the Süper Lig is different from the Premier League, La Liga, or the Bundesliga, Osimhen's consistent ability to find the back of the net is not a fluke and has been proven time and time again in different leagues.

A Permanent Stay: This Season's Stats and the Decision to Remain

Following his sensational loan spell, the football world waited with bated breath to see where Osimhen would go next. Clubs like Chelsea and PSG were rumoured to be in a bidding war for the Super Eagles Ace's signature. However, in a move that shocked many, Osimhen decided to make his stay with the Turkish Giant a permanent one.

Galatasaray paid a record-breaking transfer fee of €75 million to secure his services, which is a clear statement of intent and a demonstration of confidence in the Nigerian striker. For Osimhen, the decision was a reflection of the happiness he felt playing at the club in that one season, and the belief he has in Galatasaray's project. Now, he is the undisputed king of the club, a crucial figure in their European ambitions, and a beloved idol for the fans.

This season, Osimhen has picked up right where he left off. He has started the 2025-2026 campaign in impressive form, already netting 2 goals in his first three league appearances. While the season is still in its early stages, his numbers per game are currently higher than they were last season, indicating that he is continuing to improve. His seamless transition from a loan player to a permanent player has been remarkable.

Preparation for AFCON and a Shot at Redemption

While Osimhen’s decision to stay in Turkey was a strategic move to build a legacy and lead a club to continental glory, his phenomenal form has also served as the perfect preparation for a more pressing challenge: the Africa Cup of Nations. The upcoming tournament in Morocco, running from December 21 to January 18, is a chance for redemption and an opportunity for the team to finally deliver on its promise to the nation. As the captain put it, “We are all motivated to go all the way in the next AFCON.

Osimhen’s previous appearances at the AFCON have been a mix of brilliance and frustration. In the 2023 edition, despite leading the Super Eagles to the final, his goal-scoring record was surprisingly subdued, with just one goal from 24 shots throughout the tournament. While his tireless work rate and ability to create chances for others were widely praised, his finishing in front of goal drew criticism.

This time around, Osimhen's preparation is on a different level. He entered the tournament not just as a top striker but as a record-breaking, title-winning, and key player at one of Europe's most passionate clubs.

With Osimehn’s sights set on leading Nigeria to AFCON glory, his current form and unwavering determination may just be the final ingredients needed to cement his status as a true African legend.