Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha has offered advice to Victor Osimhen amid growing speculation over the striker’s future, following his outstanding loan spell at Galatasaray.
Speaking to Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor via Haberler, the former Fenerbahçe star encouraged Osimhen to reflect on the joy and professional fulfillment he has experienced in Turkey, hinting that remaining at Galatasaray could be a smart career move—even if it requires personal compromise.
“Turkey is a great place to play and live football,” Okocha said. “Sometimes, you may need to make sacrifices when making decisions in football. Osimhen had a great season at Galatasaray. Ultimately, he is happy there. Why shouldn’t he stay with the team? I love Turkey. He loves it too.”
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, capped off a remarkable season by scoring his 37th goal in a 2–0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir, helping the team secure both the Turkish league title and domestic cup.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk praised the Nigerian forward’s contributions but admitted that his future is still undecided. Supporters of the club have launched a passionate #staywithus campaign, including a prominent billboard in New York’s Times Square, to urge Osimhen to stay.
While Osimhen has not publicly confirmed his plans for next season, reports suggest his agent has been presented with a new offer from Galatasaray worth €15 million per year—€3 million more than his current salary—making him the highest-paid player in the club’s history if he accepts.
When asked whether he had any insight into the striker’s next move, Okocha remained tight-lipped: “I don’t know. Wherever he decides to go, I wish him the best.”
Reflecting on his own time in Turkey, Okocha spoke fondly of his two years at Fenerbahçe from 1996 to 1998, praising the fans, culture, and food. He ended his remarks with a tribute to his former team, saying, “The greatest is Fener.”
