Nigerian football icon, Jay-Jay Okocha, has offered words of advice to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen amid growing speculation about the forward’s next move after a standout season with Galatasaray.
In an interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor, as reported by Haberler, Okocha encouraged Osimhen to weigh the emotional and professional fulfillment he has experienced in Turkey.
He suggested that staying with the Istanbul club might be in the striker’s best interest, even if it means making personal compromises.
“Turkey is a fantastic place to play and enjoy football,” Okocha said. “Sometimes in football, you have to make sacrifices. Osimhen had a brilliant season with Galatasaray and seems content. So why not continue with the team? I love Turkey, and so does he.”
Osimhen recently wrapped up a loan spell from Napoli, capping an impressive campaign by netting his 37th goal of the season during Galatasaray’s 2–0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir. His performance helped the club secure both the league and cup titles.
Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the Nigerian’s future but lauded his impact and expressed hope that he would remain part of the squad.
In the meantime, Galatasaray fans have launched a global campaign tagged #staywithus, which included a prominent billboard message displayed in New York’s Times Square.
Although Osimhen has not made any public statements regarding his next move, reports suggest that Galatasaray has tabled a new contract worth €15 million annually—an increase of €3 million from his current earnings. If accepted, it would make him the club’s highest-paid player ever.
When asked if he had any insight into Osimhen’s plans, Okocha kept his response brief. “I don’t know,” he said.
“But wherever he ends up, I wish him all the best.”
Reflecting on his own playing days in Turkey, where he featured for Fenerbahçe between 1996 and 1998, Okocha recalled his time in the country fondly.
“Those were two wonderful years. I remember the fans, the food—it was a special time,” he said, adding with a smile, “Fenerbahçe remains the greatest.”
