Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has described Okan Buruk as the best coach in Türkiye after a remarkable period of success for Galatasaray, Afrik-Foot reports.
Buruk, a former Galatasaray midfielder during his playing days, returned to the club as head coach in 2022. His impact has been historic. He won seven Turkish Super League titles as a player and has added four more as a manager, the highest combined total in league history.
Osimhen quickly formed a strong bond with Buruk after joining Galatasaray from Napoli in 2024. The Nigerian forward revealed that the coach played a key role in convincing him to choose the Istanbul giants ahead of several interested clubs.
Okan Buruk ve Osimhen basın toplantısına geldi. pic.twitter.com/00U2W8VbCC
— Yakup Çınar (@yakupcinar) February 24, 2026
Their partnership brought instant success. In their first season together, Osimhen’s goals helped Galatasaray secure a domestic league and cup double.
This season has taken things even further. The Turkish champions have impressed in Europe, recording major Champions League victories over Liverpool FC and Juventus FC, while also earning a draw against Atlético Madrid.
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What Victor Osimhen said about Okan Buruk
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Victor Osimhen made clear how highly he rates his manager.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many fantastic managers,” Osimhen said.
“In particular, there were managers with whom I had a great relationship.
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“Okan Buruk is definitely one of them. He’s one of the people responsible for, or rather, one of the reasons I’m here. There are many people within the club who would confirm what I’m saying.
“First and foremost, he’s completely put his ego aside; he’s dignified, humble, and takes his job with great seriousness. If you ask me, he’s the best manager in Türkiye. He’s doing a fantastic job. The victories against Liverpool and Juventus… we can also include the Atletico match. He motivated us with the same determination and strength.
“He’s someone who always does his best for his team, preparing us brilliantly for the game. I, too, am very happy to contribute to the team’s and the club’s victories.”
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Galatasaray close to another historic milestone
Buruk and Osimhen now stand on the verge of adding another memorable chapter to Galatasaray’s history.
Last week, the Turkish side produced a stunning 5–2 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie.
The result has placed them firmly in control ahead of the decisive return match at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. Galatasaray need only to avoid a heavy defeat in Italy to secure qualification for the Round of 16.
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