Victor Osimhen Injury Controversy: Did the Nigerian Star Refuse to Play for Galatasaray?

 

​The football world has been rocked by sensational claims involving Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen and his current club, Galatasaray. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, prominent Turkish journalist Ibrahim Seten made a series of startling allegations, suggesting that the Nigerian striker "refused to play" in a recent fixture due to a disputed injury claim. As Galatasaray navigates a critical juncture in the Turkish Süper Lig and European competition, these reports have ignited a fierce debate regarding Osimhen’s commitment, his physical state, and his long-term future in Istanbul. While the club and player’s camp have maintained a professional front, Seten’s claims suggest a growing friction behind the scenes that could have massive implications for both the club’s title hopes and the player’s summer transfer prospects.

​The Allegation: "Refusal to Play" vs. Medical Reality

​According to Ibrahim Seten, the tension reached a boiling point ahead of Galatasaray’s most recent match. The journalist alleged that while the medical staff had not ruled Osimhen out entirely, the striker insisted he was unfit to compete, effectively sidelining himself. In the high-stakes environment of Turkish football, where fan passion is unrivaled, the accusation that a marquee signing—especially one of Osimhen’s caliber—is choosing not to play is a heavy one.

​Seten’s report suggests that this isn't merely about a single game but reflects a broader dissatisfaction or perhaps a "protective" mindset from the player. Critics argue that with a potential multi-million euro move back to one of Europe’s top-five leagues looming in the summer of 2026, Osimhen may be hyper-cautious about aggravating any minor knocks. However, supporters of the Nigerian star point to his well-documented history of playing through pain and his warrior-like mentality as evidence that these claims may be exaggerated or part of a "smear campaign."

​The Context: Osimhen’s Impact at Galatasaray

​Since arriving at RAMS Park, Victor Osimhen has been nothing short of a revelation. His partnership with Mauro Icardi and his sheer physical dominance have made Galatasaray the most feared attacking force in Turkey. Before this controversy erupted, Osimhen was leading the charts in both goals and "big chances created," endearing himself to the Cimbom faithful.

​The irony of the current situation is that Galatasaray’s system is heavily built around Osimhen’s ability to stretch defenses and win aerial duels. When he is absent, the team’s tactical fluidity suffers. This reliance is exactly why any hint of a "refusal to play" causes such panic among the board and the fanbase. If the relationship between the player and the technical crew is indeed fraying, manager Okan Buruk faces the Herculean task of managing a world-class ego while keeping the team on track for silverware.

​Transfer Speculation and the 2026 Summer Window

​One cannot discuss Victor Osimhen without mentioning the elephant in the room: his permanent transfer status. Currently on loan (or a modified permanent deal following his Napoli exit), Osimhen remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. Clubs like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal are reportedly still monitoring his situation closely.

​Industry analysts suggest that Ibrahim Seten’s claims might be linked to these transfer rumors. If a major European club has already made "back-channel" contact with Osimhen’s representatives for a Summer 2026 move, the player would naturally be wary of any injury that could scupper a life-changing contract. However, "refusing to play" is a label that can damage a player’s reputation for professionalism, something Osimhen has worked hard to maintain throughout his career in Belgium, France, and Italy.

​Galatasaray’s Official Stance and Team Harmony

​In the wake of Seten’s explosive comments, the Galatasaray hierarchy has been forced into damage control. Official club sources have consistently cited "muscle fatigue" or "minor strain" as the reason for his absence, backing the player’s medical claims. In a professional locker room, team spirit is fragile; if other players believe a superstar is receiving special treatment or "choosing his games," the collective morale can collapse.

​So far, Osimhen’s teammates have publicly supported him, with several veteran players emphasizing his importance to the group. Yet, the Turkish media landscape is notorious for its "pressure cooker" environment. Once a narrative like this takes hold, it requires a string of match-winning performances from the player to truly silence the doubters.

​The Psychological Toll on the Super Eagles Star

​For Victor Osimhen, the 2025/2026 season was supposed to be about re-establishing his dominance after a complicated exit from Napoli. While he has found his scoring boots in Turkey, the constant media scrutiny regarding his health and his future appears to be a recurring theme. The "injury-prone" label is one that Osimhen has struggled to shake off, despite his high work rate.

​Being accused of "refusing to play" adds a layer of psychological pressure. For a player who wears his heart on his sleeve and often plays with a protective mask due to previous facial injuries, the suggestion that he lacks the "stomach for the fight" is particularly jarring.

​Conclusion: Fact or Friction?

​As it stands, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. While Victor Osimhen may indeed be dealing with a legitimate physical setback, the high expectations of the Turkish press and the looming summer transfer window create an environment where every missed training session is magnified. Ibrahim Seten’s claims have served their purpose in stirring the pot, but the ultimate verdict will be delivered on the pitch.

​If Osimhen returns in the next fixture and delivers a trademark high-octane performance, this controversy will be remembered as a mere blip. However, if his absences continue without a clear medical explanation, the whispers of a rift at Galatasaray will only grow louder. One thing is certain: the eyes of the football world—from Lagos to London to Istanbul—remain fixed on Victor Osimhen.