Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has drawn a striking comparison between football supporters in Nigeria and Turkey, describing both as fiercely passionate and highly critical of players.
The Super Eagles forward made the remarks during a “Here or There” segment on Bleacher Report Football, where he was asked to weigh up different aspects of life in Nigeria and Turkey.
After stating his preference for Nigerian food, Osimhen was quizzed about the fan culture in both countries and did not shy away from highlighting their similarities.
“I think the fans are the same because the criticism is so high in my country and in Turkey. Football is huge for them, but the only difference is that in Nigeria, people support the big Premier League clubs, while in Turkey they support just one club,” he said.
Osimhen moved to Turkey in the summer of 2024 on loan from Napoli, joining Galatasaray in a deal that quickly turned into one of the most talked about transfers in Turkish football.
His impact was immediate, earning him cult status among supporters in Istanbul and beyond as he drove the club to domestic success.
In his debut season, the 27 year old scored 37 goals and registered seven assists across all competitions, helping Galatasaray secure both the Süper Lig and Turkish Cup titles. His impressive performances later convinced the club to complete a permanent transfer in a record breaking €75 million deal.
The fee made Osimhen the most expensive signing in Turkish football history, eclipsing the previous Süper Lig record of €19.5 million, set by Fenerbahçe’s capture of Youssef En Nesyri in 2024.
Although injuries have disrupted parts of his current campaign, Osimhen has continued to deliver, scoring seven goals in 11 league appearances.
While he remains a firm favourite among Galatasaray supporters, he has occasionally faced criticism from Nigerian fans, particularly over moments away from the ball.
Despite the scrutiny, the Lagos born forward continues to cement his status as one of Nigeria’s finest football exports.
His rise began with the country’s U 17 World Cup triumph in 2015, where he set a tournament record with 10 goals in Chile, a mark that still stands.
Osimhen has since scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for Nigeria, leaving him just two goals short of equalling the late Rashidi Yekini’s national team record of 37 goals in 62 matches.
