Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will be available for selection in Friday’s Turkish Super Lig clash against Karagümrük, despite being at the centre of an unexpected controversy involving the renaming of a mosque.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles forward, who joined the Turkish champions this summer from Serie A side Napoli, was absent from the squad during Galatasaray’s 3–0 victory over Gaziantep last Saturday.
Buruk explained that the decision to leave Osimhen out was purely down to fitness concerns.
“Victor is an important player for us, but he joined pre-season late due to the long negotiations over his transfer,” Buruk told reporters. “We wanted to give him more time to work on his conditioning. He will be ready to play against Karagümrük.”
A Delayed Pre-Season
Osimhen’s move from Napoli to Galatasaray was one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer, with negotiations stretching over several weeks. The drawn-out process meant the Nigerian reported later than his teammates for pre-season training, delaying his integration into the squad’s tactical preparations.
The striker has been working on a customised fitness programme to ensure he hits peak condition as quickly as possible. Sources close to the club say the technical staff have been impressed by his attitude and determination to make an impact.
The Mosque Renaming Incident
Osimhen’s first week back in Turkey has, however, been overshadowed by a controversy unrelated to football.
The Bulut Mosque in the central Anatolian city of Konya appeared on Google Maps under the name “Victor Osimhen Mosque”, sparking outrage among some worshippers and community members.
Local resident Zeki Yaylacı described the situation as disrespectful.
“It’s a shame to name a non-Muslim and make a mockery of it,” he said. “We consider it an insult to Muslims, the mosque community, and mosques themselves.”
While some media outlets initially suggested a possible link to Osimhen, early indications point towards the incident being the result of incorrect user-generated edits on Google Maps, a platform that allows the public to suggest changes to place names.
No Evidence of Player Involvement
There is currently no evidence to suggest Osimhen had any role in the renaming. People close to the striker told Africa Live News that he was “completely unaware” of the change until the story broke on social media.
Galatasaray has not issued an official statement on the matter, but club insiders say the incident is being treated as a case of misinformation and online prank activity rather than a deliberate act by the player or his associates.
Google has since reverted the mosque’s name to its correct listing after complaints from local worshippers and community leaders.
Cultural Sensitivities and Public Figures
The incident has reignited discussion in Turkey about the challenges public figures—especially foreign athletes—face when navigating cultural sensitivities.
Religious sites hold deep significance in Turkish society, and any perceived disrespect can quickly escalate into public backlash. Even unintended actions, such as erroneous online listings, can become flashpoints in a highly connected digital environment.
Sports analysts note that footballers in Turkey often operate under intense public scrutiny, with their personal and professional lives closely followed by fans and critics alike. For a high-profile signing like Osimhen, this level of attention is magnified.
Osimhen’s Football Focus
Despite the distraction, Osimhen is reportedly keen to put the controversy behind him and focus on making his competitive debut for Galatasaray.
The Nigerian international arrives in Istanbul with a formidable reputation, having scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli and helping the Italian club win their first Serie A title in over three decades during the 2022–23 season.
His pace, aerial strength, and clinical finishing are expected to add a new dimension to Galatasaray’s attack, complementing the creative talents of midfielders such as Dries Mertens and Lucas Torreira.
With Galatasaray competing not only in the domestic league but also in the UEFA Champions League this season, Buruk will be eager to have his new signing firing on all cylinders as soon as possible.
Upcoming Fixture: Galatasaray vs. Karagümrük
Friday’s fixture against Karagümrük will be a key opportunity for Osimhen to integrate into the team in a competitive setting. The Istanbul-based opponents are known for their disciplined defensive structure, which could test Osimhen’s movement and link-up play.
Galatasaray fans are expected to turn out in large numbers, with many eager to see their marquee signing in action for the first time. Club merchandise sales reportedly spiked after Osimhen’s arrival, signalling the excitement around his transfer.
A Reminder of the Spotlight
The past week has been a reminder of how quickly narratives can shift in the career of a professional athlete. From transfer negotiations and fitness concerns to unexpected cultural controversies, Osimhen has already experienced the multifaceted pressures of playing in Turkey’s top flight.
For now, the player’s priority will be to let his football do the talking—something he has consistently excelled at throughout his career.
If he can replicate his Napoli form in Istanbul, the early off-field distractions are likely to fade into the background, replaced by headlines about goals, assists, and match-winning performances.
Final Word
The “Victor Osimhen Mosque” incident may have caused a stir, but all indications suggest it was the result of a harmless—if misguided—online prank rather than any deliberate disrespect.
As Galatasaray prepare to face Karagümrük, attention will turn back to the pitch, where the club’s fans will be hoping their new striker can make an immediate impact.
For Osimhen, Friday night could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one that, despite an unusual start, promises to be defined by football rather than controversy.
