‘Don’t stay’ – Ex-Super Eagles star warns Osimhen amid Galatasaray success

Former Super Eagles and Utility Bombers midfielder Samuel Elijah has urged Victor Osimhen to exit Galatasaray this summer in search of bigger things this summer, Afrik Foot reports.

The 27-year-old joined Okan Buruk’s side on a loan deal last season, winning the domestic double. He joined permanently for a record transfer deal for the club and the Turkish Super Lig, but he led Galatasaray to their 26th league title.

With interests soaring from clubs in the European top-five leagues, Elijah, who played just one game for the Super Eagles, has urged Osimhen to act now, else he loses the chance of participating in ‘significant’ challenges.

Victor Osimhen urged to move on from Galatasaray’s comfort’

The former Napoli striker has scored 59 goals and provided 16 assists in 74 games for Okan Buruk’s side, winning three titles.

Elijah, in an interview with Footy Africa, believes the 2023 CAF Player of the Year can produce top numbers in any football club in the World, and backed him to join Real Madrid, although he believes Osimhen is man enough to make his own decisions.

“Osimhen is old enough to decide his own future; he knows what is best for his career,” the 56-year-old said.

“But if I were to advise him, I’d point to his massive input over the last two seasons. He has won the league and proven his pedigree.

“Now, he needs to go for more significant challenges. He shouldn’t stay where he is too comfortable—he needs a bigger stage to continue his development.”

“For me, the right time for Osimhen to move is now. He has reached a level where he risks becoming too comfortable.

“To truly know if he is still improving, he needs to test himself against greater challenges. He has the personality and the pedigree to succeed at a major European giant.

While Real Madrid and Barcelona are preparing to make huge financial commitments to reshuffling their attack in the coming season, Samuel Elijah questioned Osimhen’s ability to handle his emotions at big clubs when things don’t go his way.

“For me, honestly speaking, you see, Osimhen can play and succeed in any team in the world as long as he will control his emotions. Osimhen is a complete athlete, a complete footballer.

“He has the energy, he’s young, you know, he has the passion for the game, he’s very strong, and he can score goals.

“So for me, Osimhen, I think he can play in any league, for any team, and he will perform. So Real Madrid would be a very good place for him,” he noted.

“He should leave the team [Galatasaray] because he has done it for them, he has seen it all, so that he will not lose form, because there is lack of competition in the team and the league.

“Let him go for a better challenges, where he can compete against the best,” the one-cap Super Eagle concluded.

Victor Osimhen, meanwhile, is still relishing his second league triumph with the Cim Bom Aslan.