Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed that Nigeria international Victor Osimhen will make his return to action on Friday against Karagumruk, even as a bizarre mosque naming controversy continues to overshadow the record signing’s arrival in Turkey.
Buruk defended his decision to omit Osimhen from Saturday’s 3-0 win over Gaziantep, explaining that the 26-year-old striker needed more time to regain match fitness.
“Osimhen had a five or six-day training period,” Buruk told local media. “Playing during that period could have been risky for him. I spoke to him about this, and he said he preferred to rest for this match and aim for some minutes in the next one.”
The €75m summer arrival from Napoli reported late for pre-season due to drawn-out transfer negotiations. But just days after touching down in Istanbul, Osimhen found himself at the centre of an unexpected row after Fanatik reported that the Bulut Mosque in Konya had been renamed ‘Victor Osimhen Mosque’ on Google Maps.
Local worshippers have condemned the change, insisting the mosque’s original name be restored. “We have been a congregation of Bulut Mosque for many years,” one member said. “The name Victor Osimhen is a Christian name. As the mosque congregation, we want the authorities to investigate this.”
Another congregant noted: “He is not a Konyaspor player, nor has he done anything for the mosque. We don’t understand the relevance of this.” Zeki Yaylacı, also from the community, called the situation “offensive” and “an insult to Muslims,” urging tighter regulations to prevent similar online edits.
There is no suggestion Osimhen had any knowledge of or involvement in the incident, which appears to be the result of incorrect user edits on Google Maps. Authorities have been urged to restore the correct name.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals and provided eight assists during a loan spell with Galatasaray last season, has since returned to full training.
His contract reportedly makes him one of the highest-paid footballers in Europe, instantly becoming the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.