16.01.2026 14:20
Nigeria's elimination by penalties against Morocco has brought Osimhen's return to Galatasaray into the spotlight, while the player's substitution in the 118th minute has led to backlash against coach Eric Chelle in the national press.
Nigeria, which was eliminated by Morocco in the semifinals of the Africa Cup, missed its chance to reach the final. Following the result, it was noted that Victor Osimhen's return schedule to Galatasaray could be advanced, while the local press raised criticisms towards coach Eric Chelle regarding player substitutions.
NIGERIA SAYS GOODBYE TO THE FINAL
In the semifinals of the Africa Cup, Nigeria was defeated by Morocco as a result of penalty shootouts and lost the chance to advance to the final. This development brought up the possibility of Galatasaray's star forward Victor Osimhen returning to Turkey.
OSIMHEN'S RETURN SCHEDULE MAY BE ADVANCED
With Nigeria's elimination in the semifinals, it was stated that Osimhen's return could be brought forward. It was reported that Galatasaray was preparing to bring the player to Turkey by private jet, and that Osimhen was planned to come to Istanbul after the match between Nigeria and Egypt on Saturday to participate in the preparations for the match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
THIRD PLACE MATCH DECISION WILL BE CRUCIAL
If Osimhen is not included in the squad for the third place match, it was noted that the player could be brought to Istanbul earlier.
REACTION TO ERIC CHELLE FROM OSIMHEN
On the other hand, criticisms towards coach Eric Chelle regarding Osimhen emerged in the Nigerian press. The star player's substitution in the 118th minute before the penalty shootouts against Morocco became the focal point of the discussions.