Today’s Headlines: Galatasaray Recoup €31m From Osimhen Deal; ‘Nigeria Will Play at the World Cup’ — Chelle

Galatasaray’s €75m Gamble on Osimhen Already Paying Off

Galatasaray’s record signing, Victor Osimhen, has proven to be a massive success both on and off the pitch, with reports showing that the Nigerian forward has already earned the club an astonishing €31 million through his performances and commercial impact.

According to Turkish outlet Sportx, Osimhen’s goals in the Super Lig and UEFA Champions League have brought in significant revenue for the Istanbul giants.

The 26-year-old, who played a crucial role in last season’s title triumph, reportedly generated €18.8 million from Galatasaray’s European campaign alone. Despite a setback against Frankfurt, victories over Liverpool and Bodø/Glimt—both inspired by Osimhen’s goals—earned an additional €4.2 million, pushing his Champions League contribution to €23 million.

Describing the Nigerian striker as “highly profitable,” Sportx credited his consistency and goal-scoring form for driving both sporting and financial success.

Off the field, Osimhen’s popularity has also turned into a commercial goldmine. Following a special Osimhen-themed kit launch earlier this season—featuring his trademark mask and customised merchandise—Galatasaray sold 40,000 units through GS Stores after club president Dursun Özbek personally promoted the collection.

Those sales generated around 400 million lira (€8.19 million), raising Osimhen’s total financial impact to roughly €31 million since joining from Napoli.

Chelle: ‘Nigeria Will Go to the World Cup’

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has promised to lead Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to embrace a “warrior mentality” as they prepare for the crucial playoff phase.

Speaking on 90 Minutes with Mathematical hosted by Segun Odegbami on Eagle7FM, the Franco-Malian tactician thanked fans for their unwavering support and vowed to deliver qualification.

“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I’m happy to have brought smiles back to their faces,” Chelle said. “We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them to do the same for the playoffs. Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”

Since taking charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, Chelle has overseen a remarkable turnaround. The Super Eagles, previously winless in four qualifiers, have now gone six games unbeaten—winning four and drawing two—to collect 14 points from a possible 18.

Their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo earlier this month reignited national confidence, though Nigeria must still navigate a continental playoff in November for a place in next March’s intercontinental tie.

Nigeria will first face Gabon in a one-legged clash, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially awaiting in the next round.

Chelle left no doubt about his expectations, saying:
“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war—but it is like a war. My players must have the mindset of warriors. They have to be like sharks.”