---
title: "Chelle makes U-turn on Victor Osimhen transfer"
url: https://wahalanetwork.com/chelle-makes-u-turn-on-victor-osimhen-transfer/
type: post
date: 2026-10-08
modified: 2026-10-08
markdown_url: https://wahalanetwork.com/chelle-makes-u-turn-on-victor-osimhen-transfer.md
author: "Wahala Network Editorial Team"
---

# Chelle makes U-turn on Victor Osimhen transfer

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has clarified his earlier comments suggesting Victor Osimhen could leave Galatasaray, insisting the striker is happy at the Turkish club and that his absence from Nigeria’s recent games was due to injury, *PUNCH Sports Extra* reports.

Chelle made the clarification after Nigeria’s 3-3 international friendly draw with Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, saying his previous remarks about Osimhen’s future had been taken out of context.

“Regarding my earlier comments about a possible transfer, they were misinterpreted. Viktor likes Galatasaray, and the club is happy with Viktor,” Chelle told the Russian Football Union.

“I consider him one of the best strikers in the world. When a player performs at such a level, there’s always talk of transfers around him. I never said he wanted or should leave the club.”

The Malian tactician had, during the June international window, explained that Osimhen was left out of the squad amid uncertainty over his future. He has now stressed that there was no conflict between the striker, Galatasaray and the national team.

Chelle also explained that Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s September AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau was caused by his failure to fully recover from injury.

“About 10-15 days before the international break, Victor got injured. We agreed that if he recovered and played for Galatasaray before the international break, the club would let him join us. But he couldn’t play in that game because he hadn’t recovered yet,” he said.

Osimhen, who had initially been included in the squad before withdrawing, continued his rehabilitation in Nigeria during the international break, with Taiwo Awoniyi drafted in as his replacement.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, after scoring the opener before being forced off in the 33rd minute. He had started the season strongly, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances.

Osimhen is now edging closer to a return, with Galatasaray reportedly considering a limited appearance against Kasımpaşa on Friday, October 9, ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona four days later.