It’s time for Galatasaray to shine in Europe – Osimhen

Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen has declared his readiness to lead Galatasaray to new heights in the UEFA Champions League, insisting it’s time for the Turkish giants “to make a statement on Europe’s biggest stage.”

The 26-year-old forward, who previously shone for Lille and Napoli, has quickly become a fan favourite in Istanbul. After a standout loan spell in the 2024/25 season, he completed a permanent move to the club this summer.

“When I joined, I told the president that we must prove we belong among Europe’s best,” Osimhen told UEFA.

 “We’ve ruled Turkey for years,  now it’s time to test ourselves against the elite” he said.

Osimhen’s hunger, he said, is rooted in his humble beginnings in Olusosun, Lagos.

“I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me; it taught me resilience,” he recalled.

“Whenever I go home, I visit to show gratitude and remind young kids that if I could make it out of there, they can too.”

The Super Eagles striker also praised Galatasaray’s passionate supporters for fueling his drive.

“When I arrived in Istanbul, thousands of fans were waiting at the airport at 3 a.m. I’d never seen anything like that. It gives you the fire to give everything for the badge. I love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them, the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

A long-time admirer of Didier Drogba, who also left his mark at Galatasaray, Osimhen hopes to follow in his idol’s footsteps by inspiring the club to continental success.

“In football, Drogba was my hero. I studied his game and tried to add his qualities to mine,” he said. “In life, my biggest inspiration was my brother — he taught me how to hustle and never give up.”

With Galatasaray eyeing a strong Champions League campaign, Osimhen believes this is the moment to restore Turkish football’s pride on the European stage.

“We are the biggest club in Turkey, and one of the biggest in the world,” he added. “Now we want to prove it in the Champions League.”