Ahmet Çakar, a former referee and football physician from Turkey, has raised concerns that Galatasaray might be privy to a significant, undisclosed medical issue potentially impacting Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen for the long term, according to Soccernet.ng.
During an appearance on Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol show, Çakar revealed that he had access to confidential health details about Osimhen, reportedly sourced from the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Although he refrained from naming the specific ailment, Çakar implied that the condition was serious enough to merit official attention and disclosure.
“I have been informed by the Ministry of Health about Victor Osimhen’s medical condition,” Çakar stated, as reported by Gsgazete.
“As both a sports professional and a parent, I believe it’s inappropriate to delve into Osimhen’s health details publicly.
“I contacted Galatasaray’s team doctor, Yener İnce, who denied the information I received. However, the illness is expected to have lifelong implications for Osimhen.”
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At 63, Çakar is a well-known yet sometimes contentious figure in Turkish football circles. He asserted that Galatasaray’s management is informed about Osimhen’s health status and emphasized that the Ministry of Health is legally required to be aware of such medical matters. Çakar also indicated his intention to investigate further should the club’s medical team continue to refute the claims.
“If these claims are dismissed in the coming days, I am prepared to challenge Yener İnce directly. Galatasaray’s officials are also in the loop. Certain health conditions must be disclosed to relevant authorities,” Çakar added.
Neither Galatasaray nor Victor Osimhen have issued any public statements addressing Çakar’s remarks.
Victor Osimhen Prepares for Super Eagles’ World Cup Qualifiers
Amid the unfolding controversy in Turkey, Osimhen is gearing up to join Nigeria’s national team camp in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Coach Eric Chelle has included the striker in his 23-player roster, relying on Osimhen’s readiness to contribute in these pivotal fixtures.
As a key figure in Galatasaray’s recent Turkish Super Lig triumph, Osimhen’s relentless drive, aerial prowess, and sharp goal-scoring ability have been instrumental. Last season, he netted 37 goals in 41 appearances, helping the club secure a prestigious domestic double.
However, his dynamic and physical style of play has made him susceptible to injuries and fatigue over time.
Osimhen’s Ongoing Struggle with Injuries
Throughout his career, Osimhen has faced numerous injury challenges that have interrupted his momentum.
During his tenure at Wolfsburg, he battled shoulder injuries, while his time at Napoli was marred by facial fractures and recurring muscle strains.
Between 2021 and 2025, Osimhen was sidelined for extended periods due to calf, hamstring, and muscular injuries, including a 54-day absence caused by a broken cheekbone and 42 days out with a hamstring tear.
The protective mask he wears is a result of the 2021 facial injury, which also forced him to miss the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles have often found it difficult to perform at their best without him. His recent ankle sprain in September 2025 once again kept him out of important international fixtures, echoing previous absences that disrupted Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Despite these hurdles, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most reliable offensive weapon, with both Galatasaray and the national team hopeful that his injury troubles are now behind him.