A significant controversy has emerged in Turkish football, with doctor and former referee Ahmet Çakar suggesting that Galatasaray Football Club may possess knowledge of a serious, undisclosed medical condition affecting Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Speaking on Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol program, Çakar claimed to have acquired sensitive information directly from the Turkish Ministry of Health concerning Osimhen’s health status. While he refrained from divulging the specific nature of the alleged condition, he indicated it was sufficiently grave to necessitate official government awareness and potential disclosure.

Çakar, a prominent but often contentious figure within Turkish football, stated, “I received information from the Ministry of Health regarding Victor Osimhen's illness.” He added, “As a sportsman and father of two, I don't want to discuss Osimhen's illness. I find it wrong.” Çakar further detailed a conversation with Galatasaray Club Doctor Yener İnce, who reportedly denied the claims, stating, “The information you received is incorrect.” Despite this denial, Çakar persisted, asserting that Osimhen's alleged illness is likely to affect him for the remainder of his life. He emphasized that Galatasaray officials were aware of the situation, and local regulations mandated the Ministry of Health's knowledge of such conditions. Çakar also warned that if these allegations were continuously denied, he would pursue the matter further.

As this health controversy brews in Turkey, neither Galatasaray nor Osimhen himself have issued public statements regarding Çakar’s serious allegations. In the meantime, Osimhen is preparing to join the Nigerian Super Eagles in Polokwane, South Africa, for upcoming and crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, has included the striker in his 23-man squad, clearly relying on his fitness and prowess for these vital fixtures.

Osimhen, described as the reigning Turkish Super Lig champion, remains a pivotal figure for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification ambitions. His formidable presence is characterized by relentless energy, exceptional aerial strength, and clinical finishing. Last season, he showcased remarkable form for Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances and contributing significantly to their domestic double. However, his aggressive and high-intensity playing style frequently exposes him to physical knocks and fatigue.

Indeed, Victor Osimhen's career has been marked by a recurrent battle with injuries. During his tenure at Wolfsburg, he encountered shoulder issues, and later at Napoli, he endured facial fractures and repeated muscle strains. Between 2021 and 2025, a series of muscular, calf, and hamstring problems led to significant spells on the sidelines, including 54 days out with a broken cheekbone and 42 days due to a hamstring tear. His distinctive protective mask is a direct consequence of the 2021 facial injury, which also regrettably forced him to miss the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles often struggled in his absence. A recent ankle sprain in September 2025 further sidelined him from key international matches, mirroring previous absences that disrupted Nigeria's rhythm during World Cup qualifiers. Despite these persistent setbacks, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most potent attacking threat. Both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles are undoubtedly hoping that his long history of injury woes is finally behind him, allowing him to focus on his crucial role for club and country amidst the ongoing health speculation.