Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso has shed light on Victor Osimhen’s surprising summer move from Napoli to Galatasaray, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles star completed a season-long loan transfer to the Turkish Super Lig giants after being heavily linked with a departure from Naples throughout the transfer window.
Aniagboso, who shares a close bond with the former LOSC Lille forward, revealed that the move was driven by the challenges within Napoli.
“Osimhen is my friend. We have been in the same camp before the Super Eagles. He’s just a wonderful guy, and he is hardworking.” Aniagboso told DailySports.
Osimhen was at the center of a complex transfer saga, with clubs from Europe and beyond vying for his signature. However, when the European window closed, the Nigerian striker’s only escape route was a move to Turkey.
The goalkeeper, who shares a personal insight into the transfer, hinted that off-field issues at Napoli were the key reason Osimhen was determined to leave.
“It’s football. Sometimes, that happens. Sometimes, you need to go where people accept you. He was a wonderful player in Italy. Some challenges came up, and I think the Turkish people accepted him, so he had to go.” He explained.
Interestingly, neither Osimhen nor Aniagboso were called up for Nigeria’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya, but they will be watching from home as the Super Eagles look to secure maximum points in their crucial doubleheader.