Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has openly confirmed his active efforts to persuade two of his national teammates, Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika, to join him at Turkish football powerhouse Galatasaray. The Istanbul club is reportedly keen to significantly strengthen its squad for the second half of the season, as it competes for domestic titles and aims for a strong showing in European competitions, with both Lookman and Onyedika identified as key transfer targets.

Osimhen, who plays a pivotal role for Galatasaray, shared details of his discussions with the two players during their time with the Nigerian national team. "I spoke with Onyedika during the Africa Cup of Nations. I also spoke with Lookman during the matches we played for the World Cup," Osimhen stated. He explained his recruitment pitch: "I told them about the Galatasaray fans, how big a club we are, and the beauty of the country. They are adults. They will make their own decisions." All three players were part of the Super Eagles squad that secured bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Napoli star expressed a strong desire to see both players make the move to Istanbul, emphasizing the positive impact their transfers would have on the team and its supporters. "Their arrival would be good for our club, our players, and our fans," Osimhen affirmed. He specifically lauded Onyedika's abilities, adding, "Onyedika is a very good player. He plays very fluently. If he comes here, he will contribute a lot to us. He is a very talented player. I am trying to convince both of them. I would like them to come to one of the biggest clubs in the world and play with us."

Behind Osimhen's public charm offensive lies a clear sporting logic for Galatasaray. The club seeks to refresh and reinforce key areas of their team as the season enters its decisive phase. Adding quality and depth is crucial for their pursuit of domestic honors, such as the Super Lig title, and their ambitions to advance further in the UEFA Champions League, following a recent 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the competition.

Raphael Onyedika has been a standout performer for Club Brugge, earning praise for his energy, ball-winning ability, and tactical discipline in midfield. At 24, he is widely perceived as a player ready for the next step in his career and is reportedly looking for a transfer to a more prominent European league to further advance his development.

Ademola Lookman's situation, while different, is equally intriguing. The forward is said to be open to leaving Atalanta after experiencing two frustrating summer transfer windows where a desired move away from the Bergamo club did not materialize. Despite his undeniable quality and proven impact at both club and international levels, his future in Italy remains uncertain.

The potential arrival of two established Nigeria internationals, both in their prime, familiar with Osimhen, and capable of making an immediate impact, would undoubtedly elevate Galatasaray. Such transfers would provide the Turkish giants with the additional quality needed to fulfill their dreams of retaining the Super Lig title and reaching the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League.