Nigerian football icon Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has offered heartfelt advice to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as speculation mounts over the forward’s future following a record-setting season on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray.
In an interview granted to Turkish media outlet TRT Spor, relayed through Haberler, the former Fenerbahçe maestro encouraged Osimhen to carefully weigh both emotional fulfillment and professional stability as he makes his next career decision. Okocha, who remains a beloved figure in Turkish football for his time at Fenerbahçe between 1996 and 1998, described Turkey as a “great place to live and play football,” urging Osimhen not to overlook the value of happiness and belonging when making critical decisions about his future.
“Sometimes in football, you must make sacrifices,” Okocha said. “Victor had an excellent season at Galatasaray, and most importantly, he’s happy there. If a player finds satisfaction in his environment, why should he leave? I love Turkey. He loves it too.”
Osimhen’s recent performances in the Süper Lig have been nothing short of phenomenal. The 25-year-old forward, on loan from Italian Serie A side Napoli, capped off his campaign by scoring his 37th goal of the season in Galatasaray’s 2–0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir, sealing a domestic double for the club with both league and cup honours. His goal-scoring prowess has not only captured the admiration of fans in Istanbul but also attracted attention from major European clubs looking to secure his services during the summer transfer window.
Despite his remarkable form, the future remains uncertain. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk admitted after their final game that the club would love to retain Osimhen but acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with the player and his representatives. “He gave everything for the team. We would be lucky to have him again, but it’s in his hands now,” Buruk said.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray supporters have launched a passionate campaign to persuade the Nigerian international to remain in Istanbul. The “#staywithus” movement has gained significant traction across social media platforms, with fans going as far as displaying a digital billboard plea in New York City’s Times Square, urging their hero not to leave the club.
Sources close to the club reveal that Galatasaray have tabled a lucrative new contract offer worth €15 million annually — a €3 million raise from his current deal — which, if accepted, would make Osimhen the highest-paid player in the club’s history. The club’s hierarchy believes the offer reflects their commitment to building a team around the prolific striker.
Although Osimhen himself has not made any public statements regarding his next move, his agent is reportedly evaluating multiple offers. The decision is expected to be one of the most talked-about stories of the summer transfer market.
When asked if he had any inside knowledge about Osimhen’s next destination, Okocha remained diplomatic. “I don’t know,” he replied simply. “Whatever he decides, I only wish him the very best.”
Okocha also took a moment to reminisce about his own experience in Turkey, describing his two seasons with Fenerbahçe as some of the most memorable years of his career. “It was a wonderful two years,” he said. “The fans, the culture, the food — I still have fond memories. And to the supporters, the greatest is Fener.”
As Nigerian fans continue to watch Osimhen’s situation unfold with keen interest, many are hopeful he will find a path that brings both career growth and personal contentment — whether that lies in Istanbul or elsewhere in Europe. What remains certain is that wherever he ends up, Victor Osimhen’s star continues to rise, and his next move will be watched closely, not just in Nigeria, but across the footballing world.
