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Osimhen has been called up for Super Eagles games against Benin and Rwanda, but there is no reason for him to play these two games.
The Super Eagles camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda has opened with a host of star names like William Troost-Ekong and Wilfred Ndidi.
More players are expected to arrive today ahead of the team’s first match against Gernot Rohr’s men.
Among the expected players is Victor Osimhen, who will likely arrive on Wednesday morning, three days before the clash against Benin.
Osimhen's summer of travails
However, while the importance of Osimhen to Nigeria cannot be overstated, it may be wise for him to sit out these two games.
Although it is ridiculous to suggest that Osimhen should turn down Nigeria’s invitation, it is the right thing to do when one considers what he went through this season.
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It has been a long summer for Osimhen following the constant speculations over his future at Napoli.
Osimhen was expected to earn a big money move away from Napoli, but for different reasons, the Nigerian striker and Napoli could not agree.
Initially, there were talks of moving to Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing personal terms with the club, but the French champions were unable to agree a deal with Napoli.
Chelsea were also interested in signing the former Lille striker on a loan deal with an obligation to buy at a reduced wage.
However, Osimhen was not prepared to cut his wage and was not fully interested in a loan move.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli were also interested and ready to offer Osimhen a mammoth wage, but they could not reach an agreement with Napoli.
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08:30 - 31.08.2024
Victor Osimhen vs Chelsea vs Al Ahli: Everything we know about the failed transfer saga
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen wanted a move away from Napoli this summer but failed despite huge interest from Chelsea and Al Ahli.
During this period of uncertainty surrounding his future, Osimhen was training away from Napoli’s first team as he was not in Antonio Conte’s plans.
This went on like that until the transfer window shut, with Osimhen staying at Napoli, leaving his situation in limbo.
After the window shut, Osimhen was omitted from Napoli’s squad for the Serie A season, meaning the Nigerian would not play until January.
Galatasaray to Osimhen's rescue as AFCON Qualifiers loom
It looked like that would be his situation until Galatasaray showed up and offered to take Osimhen on a dry loan from Napoli with a break clause inserted should a big club come for him in January.
The Nigerian striker arrived in Turkey on Tuesday night and will sign the deal on Wednesday morning, with Gala expected to pay all his wages.
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Once he signs with the Turkish giants, Osimhen is expected to make a trip to Nigeria and link up with his Super Eagles teammates.
However, considering what he went through all summer, it may not be in his best interest to show up for the two games against Benin and Rwanda.
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16:37 - 01.09.2024
Victor Osimhen: Asisat Oshoala lambasts Chelsea’s salary offer after failed transfer
The reigning CAF women’s player of the year has aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Chelsea after failing to agree terms with Osimhen.
The saga must have taken a mental toll on him, while his lack of proper preseason training means playing two games Nigeria are expected to win may not be what is best for him.
Osimhen owes Galatasaray and one thing we can doubt is that the Nigerian will give his all for the club.
This is why he should use this international break to acclimatise to his new environment, bond with his new teammates and build up his fitness level.
He does not need to concern himself with the two matches the Super Eagles are expected to win even in his absence.
Yes, he has not played for Nigeria since AFCON ended, but no one will question his commitment if he pulls out of the squad to focus on his new club.
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Galatasaray are his immediate priority for now and he should treat it as such by not playing in two games that Nigeria can win without his services.
Aside from that, there is also the risk of getting injured on international break, which will not be good for his prospects and Galatasaray.
Considering the long term goal is to leave Turkey and return to Europe’s top leagues, Osimhen needs to hit the ground running as quickly as possible.
However, he needs to let Nigeria’s games take a back seat this month and put all his focus on his new club.
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