Ahmet Çakar, a former Turkish referee and football doctor, has raised concerns that Galatasaray might be concealing a significant, undisclosed medical issue affecting Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, according to Soccernet.ng.
During an appearance on Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol show, Çakar revealed that he had access to confidential health information about Osimhen from the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Although he refrained from naming the specific ailment, Çakar implied that the condition is serious enough to merit official attention.
“I have been informed by the Ministry of Health about Victor Osimhen’s medical condition,” Çakar stated, as reported by Gsgazete.
“As both an athlete and a father, I feel it’s inappropriate to disclose details about Osimhen’s health publicly.
“I contacted Galatasaray’s club physician, Yener İnce, who denied the information I received. However, Osimhen’s condition is likely to impact him throughout his life.”
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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 aware of Osimhen’s health issue and that the Ministry of Health is legally required to be informed under Turkish law. Çakar also indicated his intention to investigate further if the club’s medical team continues to refute the claims.
“Should these claims be dismissed in the coming days, I am prepared to challenge Yener İnce directly. Galatasaray officials are also informed about this matter. Certain illnesses must be reported to relevant authorities,” Çakar added.
Neither Galatasaray nor Osimhen have issued any public statements addressing these allegations.
Victor Osimhen Prepares to Join Super Eagles for World Cup Qualifiers
Amid the unfolding controversy in Turkey, Osimhen is scheduled to link up with the Nigerian national team 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-man roster, relying heavily on Osimhen’s availability and form for these pivotal fixtures.
As a key figure in Galatasaray’s recent Turkish Super Lig triumph, Osimhen’s relentless work rate, aerial prowess, and sharp goal-scoring ability have been instrumental. Last season, he netted 37 goals in 41 appearances, helping the club secure a domestic double.
However, his dynamic and physical style of play has made him susceptible to injuries and fatigue.
Osimhen’s Ongoing Struggle with Injuries
Throughout his career, Osimhen has faced numerous injury challenges.
During his tenure at Wolfsburg, he battled shoulder problems, while his time at Napoli was marred by facial fractures and recurring muscle strains.
Between 2021 and 2025, he was sidelined for extended periods due to various muscular injuries, calf strains, and hamstring tears, including a 54-day absence caused by a broken cheekbone and 42 days out with a hamstring injury.
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 momentum in World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Despite these hurdles, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most reliable offensive weapon, with both Galatasaray and the national team hoping his injury troubles are behind him for good.
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