Victor Osimhen’s recent performance for Galatasaray in their 1-0 loss to Monaco highlights the striker’s mixed fortunes. Despite registering five shots, 25 touches, and winning nine of 15 duels, he was effectively caged by Monaco’s defense, ending his eight-game European scoring streak. Coach Okan Buruk expressed frustration over the loss, acknowledging team struggles and raising concerns about contributions from other attacking players.

Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli remains a record-breaking move for Turkish football, exceeding €30 million and involving a total cost of approximately €150 million, making him the league’s highest-paid player. The financial strain has impacted Galatasaray’s ability to reinforce the squad, with recent injury challenges and inconsistent performances compounding the issue. Analyst Sinan Engin criticized the club's overall quality, suggesting an overreliance on Osimhen’s individual brilliance to bypass midfield challenges.

Despite these setbacks, Osimhen continues to receive significant accolades. He was named 'Sportsman of the Year' at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, becoming the first Nigerian to win this category and only the third footballer in a decade. The award recognizes his stellar performance last season with 37 goals and 8 assists, contributing to Galatasaray's domestic double, as well as his ongoing 11 goals in 14 matches this campaign. Osimhen previously made history as African Footballer of the Year in 2023 and entered the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or that same year.

Concerns have arisen regarding Nigeria’s reliance on Osimhen. Former international Tijani Babangida has urged Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to cultivate a system that thrives even without him, highlighting a stark contrast: only five losses in 40 matches with Osimhen fit versus 11 defeats in 29 games without him. Babangida stresses that attackers must internalize a mentality where the team is not solely built around one player, ensuring sustained performance irrespective of Osimhen’s availability. Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign kicks off on December 23 in Egypt.

Dutch international Emmanuel Emegha, set to join Chelsea in 2026, praised Osimhen as a "rare forward," lauding his aerial control, energy, and dominance over defenders. These commendations underscore Osimhen’s global stature in football, even as he navigates club challenges and national team strategies. He is expected to join Nigeria’s AFCON preparations following his final club match of the year against Antalyaspor.