From Ighalo to Abiodun - 7 Super Eagles and Falcons stars who celebrated Victor Osimhen's record €75m Galatasaray transfer

Victor Osimhen’s monumental €75 million transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray has sparked a wave of celebrations from Nigerian football stars, both past and present.

The Super Eagles striker, who became the most expensive player in Turkish football history with this move, received warm congratulations from some of Nigeria’s finest athletes on social media.

Osimhen’s permanent transfer marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Italy where he cemented his place as one of Serie A’s elite forwards, helping Napoli clinch the coveted 2022-23 Scudetto and earning the Capocannoniere award as the league’s top scorer.

Now signed on a four-year deal in Istanbul, Osimhen, who has penned a message to Napoli as reported by Pulse Sports and Football Italia, has a new home where he has become an instant fan favourite.

After putting pen to paper, Osimhen posted several pictures on his Instagram, and Nigerian football icons flooded his account, celebrating the major milestone.

Here are seven congratulatory messages that show the unity and pride of Nigerian football:

Kenneth Omeruo, the veteran defender, kept it simple and heartfelt with a succinct: “Congrats big striker.”

Odion Ighalo, the Super Eagles legend and close friend of Osimhen, was among the earliest to send his best wishes, expressing admiration for his compatriot’s journey with several love emojis.

Moses Simon and Ogenyi Onazi, fellow Nigerian internationals, also chimed in with praise and encouragement.

Simon stated, “Congratulations bro,” while Onazi urged him to set more records, “Let’s go… set another record.”

The vibrant Super Falcons star Deborah Abiodun, fresh off her viral WAFCON celebrations, joined the chorus with warm congratulations, highlighting the support across genders in Nigerian football.

Others adding their voices included Simy Nwankwo, the 2018 World Cup striker known for his tenacity, Taiwo Awoniyi, who affectionately posted “Osi nla” (meaning “Big Osi” in Yoruba), and Sadiq Umar, all sharing heart emojis and congratulatory notes.

Osimhen’s Instagram post was without a caption, but photos showing him signing his contract and showing the length of the deal.

The outpouring of messages from his Nigerian peers shows the deep respect and affection he commands both at home and internationally.