By Our reporter 1.6.2026
Super Eagles coach last week threw a pebble in a pond, when he claimed that striker Victor Osimhen is looking for another club causing ripples in the transfer market.
Chelle made the remarks while explaining the likely absence of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from his squad to play against Portugal and Poland in friendlies this month. Osimhen himself clarified that there was no such conversation with Chelle, adding that the coach’s remarks must have been miss-quoted.
“Unfortunately, his words were taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our matches, and never had any intention of creating controversy,” Osimhen said on Sunday.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Roman affirmed that Osimhen and his representatives have not made any contact or opened negotiation with any club concerning his future.
“The coach of Nigeria went to a press conference and said Osimhen is not going to play the friendly games before the World Cup because he’s in talks over a transfer,” Romano explained.
“The whole market started to shake, asking where Osimhen is going and what’s going to happen.
“I can guarantee to you guys that Victor Osimhen, who is representing himself together with his lawyers, at the moment is not aware of any negotiation.
“Either there is something behind the scenes that Galatasaray are negotiating without telling the player, but I doubt that.
“That would be kind of crazy, especially with not just a player, but a phenomenal player and the face of the project like Victor Osimhen.
“This story sounds very strange. Maybe it was a misunderstanding