Victor Osimhen Excused From Nigeria’s Poland and Portugal Friendlies to Finalise Summer Transfer from Galatasaray

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that Victor Osimhen has been released from international duty ahead of the Super Eagles’ double-header friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with the 27-year-old striker given permission to concentrate on resolving his club future during the summer transfer window.

Chelle addressed the media following Nigeria’s Unity Cup 2026 campaign, explaining his reasoning in direct terms. “[Victor] Osimhen had, maybe to change clubs. I prefer he stay in his house because if you play and you are not 100% focus, this is not good,” the Malian coach said. The decision means Osimhen will not line up against either Cristiano Ronaldo or Robert Lewandowski in what would have been a high-profile double billing.

Osimhen concludes the 2025/26 club season having delivered one of the standout individual campaigns in Turkish football. The Nigeria international contributed 22 goals and six assists across all competitions for Galatasaray, playing a central role in the club retaining the Super Lig title. Galatasaray confirmed the championship on 9 May 2026.

With that form now drawing significant attention from clubs across Europe’s top leagues, Osimhen is reportedly attracting serious interest from multiple high-profile suitors. According to reports, Premier League side Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain — who recently claimed back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles — are among the clubs leading the pursuit of his signature. No transfer agreement has been officially announced.

Osimhen’s absence, alongside that of Ademola Lookman — also confirmed as unavailable by Chelle — leaves Nigeria operating with a restricted 18-man squad for the Summer Series fixtures in Europe. The double-header represents a significant test for the Super Eagles, who will face Poland, led by Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, and Portugal, captained by Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

The decision to excuse a player of Osimhen’s calibre from international duty ahead of a potential major transfer is not unprecedented in African football. National associations and coaching staff have previously navigated similar situations when transfer negotiations coincide with international windows, particularly during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months when the European transfer market is most active.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024/25 season following a protracted transfer saga, and his performances in Istanbul have substantially raised his market valuation. The striker had previously been strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, though European interest has since come to the fore, according to reports.

With Nigeria’s squad now shorn of two of its most prominent attacking options, the Summer Series fixtures will offer Chelle an opportunity to assess depth and alternatives within his player pool ahead of forthcoming competitive commitments, including 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying obligations.