Osimhen Faces Fresh Galatasaray Tension As Napoli Exit Controversy Resurfaces

Victor Osimhen’s situation at Galatasaray has attracted fresh attention following controversial comments by club vice-president Mehmet Cibara about the Nigerian striker’s injury.

Cibara sparked widespread criticism after describing Osimhen’s injury as chronic during Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Board meeting, although he subsequently apologised and clarified that he had mistakenly used the word instead of acute.

The controversy has now prompted concerns about how Osimhen might interpret the remarks, with Turkish football commentator Ilgaz Çınar recalling the circumstances surrounding the striker’s departure from Napoli.

“The incident that brought Osimhen from Napoli to Galatasaray was the social media manager’s nonsense. I hope he will not take the statements of the Vice President seriously or what he actually wants to say will be explained to him,” Çınar said.

His comments allude to the strained relationship between Osimhen and Napoli following a controversial social media video posted by the Italian club in September 2023, which mocked the striker after he missed a penalty against Bologna.

The incident generated considerable controversy and contributed to the deterioration of relations between the Nigerian and Napoli.

Cibara’s initial description of Osimhen’s injury as chronic also attracted criticism from Galatasaray supporters, some of whom reportedly called for his resignation before he issued his clarification.

The vice-president said: “Sorry. I am a mechanical engineer. I used a medical mis-term. I said chronic instead of acute. I wanted to correct it. Osimhen is not chronically ill. Rest assured.”

The latest controversy comes as Osimhen continues his recovery following surgery, with Galatasaray previously confirming that his treatment would continue under the club’s medical team.

Whether the remarks will have any effect on the relationship between the striker and the club remains to be seen.