Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen clears air over Eric Chelle’s transfer remarks

Galatasaray Victor Osimhen has moved to calm growing speculation surrounding his absence from Nigeria’s international friendlies, following comments made by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle had previously attributed Osimhen’s absence to summer transfer talks despite being in the books of the Turkish giants, a statement that triggered widespread debate among football fans after Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final in London.

The win saw the Super Eagles lift their fourth Unity Cup title, but attention quickly shifted away from the result and toward the status of their star striker.

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, has now addressed the situation directly after holding discussions with the national team coach to clarify the remarks.

The 27-year-old striker said the matter had been resolved and insisted that Chelle’s comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.

“I just had a phone call with Eric Chelle about the comments he made regarding me in his latest interview,” Osimhen said.

“Unfortunately, his words were taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our matches, and never had any intention of creating controversy.”

The former Napoli forward went on to reaffirm his commitment to the national team and expressed his willingness to continue working under Chelle.

“I appreciate this conversation and the opportunity to always represent my country. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him,” he added.

“He’s a very good coach whom I hold in high regard, and I ask that the speculation surrounding this matter be disregarded. Thank you for your support.”

The clarification is expected to ease tensions around the Super Eagles camp as Nigeria continue preparations for upcoming international fixtures and build towards major competitions ahead.

Osimhen remains a key figure for Nigeria and is widely expected to play a central role in their future World Cup and continental ambitions once fully reintegrated into the squad.