Soccer
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Copyright: IMAGO
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has revealed how support from the fans at Galatasaray compares to what he experienced during his time at Napoli, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker has enjoyed strong support at every club he has played and his performances on the pitch has made his connection with the fans stronger.
Osimhen joined Napoli from French club Lille in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite. His status grew even further during the 2022–23 season, when he played a key role alongside Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in helping the club win the Serie A title, ending a 33-year league drought.
He left Naples in 2024 and moved to Galatasaray initially on a loan deal before the move was made permanent for €75 million last summer, setting a new record for the most expensive transfer in Turkish football history.
Soccer Osimhen reveals what sets Galatasaray fans apart
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has received massive support from the start, with fans turning out in large numbers to welcome him at the airport upon his arrival in 2024 and has since become a popular player among the supporters.
The Galatasaray fans recently unveiled a massive tifo banner featuring Osimhen and his late mother, during a UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, which further strengthened their relationship with the Nigerian forward.
Speaking during the 360 Experience with Onah Kosi, the 27-year-old acknowledged that Napoli fans were also supportive, but insisted that the level of passion in Turkey feels very different.
“It’s absolutely different. If I’m being honest, it’s absolutely different. I experienced that in Naples, when I talk about the club and its fans. They are always amazing, similar to Gala fans but when I came here, it’s on another level”, Osimhen said, via Forza Cimbom.
“The way their football is here, the way they support their clubs wholeheartedly. For me, I think football in Turkey is tradition. You’ll never see a fan of another club supporting a team in the top five league. They will never do that.”
Osimhen went on to explain how Galatasaray fans show their support not just at home games, but also at matches in away stadiums and even in everyday life.
“For Gala, it’s the fans that always support me even when you go to away games. Even when you go on your private life and they see you somewhere with your family, they always come to show their appreciation for you fighting for them and the badge and for taking the club to another dimension.
“For me, so far in my career I think the way they are here, the fans is truly the best of the world”, the Nigerian forward concluded.
Galatasaray fans could have even more to celebrate this weekend when they face Samsunspor in the league, knowing that a victory would seal their fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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