Turkish doctor sparks concern over Victor Osimhen’s health amid claims of lifelong condition

Turkish football doctor and former referee Ahmet Çakar has raised fresh concerns about Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s health, alleging that Galatasaray may be aware of a serious, undisclosed medical condition that could affect the player for the rest of his life.

Speaking on Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol programme, Çakar claimed to have obtained sensitive details from Turkey’s Ministry of Health about Osimhen’s supposed illness.

Although he refused to disclose the nature of the condition, he hinted that it was significant enough to merit official attention.

“I received information from the Ministry of Health regarding Victor Osimhen’s illness,” Çakar said, according to Gsgazete.

“As a sportsman and father of two, I don’t want to discuss Osimhen’s illness. I find it wrong. I spoke with Galatasaray Club Doctor Yener İnce, and he said, ‘The information you received is incorrect.’ Osimhen’s illness will likely affect him for the rest of his life.”

Çakar, 63, a respected yet often polarising figure in Turkish football, insisted that Galatasaray officials and the Ministry of Health were both aware of the matter.

He warned that he would pursue the issue further if the club continued to deny his claims.

“If these allegations are denied tomorrow or the next day, I will go through Yener İnce’s trouble. Galatasaray officials are also aware of this situation,” he added.

Neither Galatasaray nor Osimhen have issued any statements addressing the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian striker is expected to join the Super Eagles in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Despite a history of recurring injuries, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most vital attacking weapon, having scored 37 goals in 41 appearances last season to help Galatasaray clinch a domestic double.

His fitness and availability will be key as Nigeria look to strengthen their qualification hopes.