Eric Chelle Breaks Silence on Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray Rift: ‘There Is No Conflict’

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has moved to shut down speculation of a dispute involving Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray and the Nigeria national team.

Chelle insisted there is “no conflict” between the striker, his Turkish club and the Super Eagles after Osimhen missed Nigeria’s 3-3 draw with Russia during the October international break.

The Galatasaray forward was not included in Nigeria’s trip to Russia as he continued his recovery from a groin injury suffered around 10 to 15 days before the international window.

Chelle Explains Why Osimhen Missed Nigeria’s Squad

Osimhen’s absence immediately attracted attention, particularly given his importance to the Super Eagles.

However, Chelle explained that Nigeria and Galatasaray had already reached an agreement regarding the striker’s availability.

The coach revealed that Osimhen would have been released for international duty if he had recovered sufficiently to feature for Galatasaray before the break.

That condition was ultimately not met because the striker had not recovered in time to play for his club.

Chelle therefore made it clear that Osimhen’s absence was based on his fitness situation rather than a disagreement between the parties.

‘There Is No Conflict’

Addressing the speculation directly, Chelle rejected suggestions that tensions had developed between Osimhen, Galatasaray and the Super Eagles.

He explained that the striker was initially kept on Nigeria’s squad list because there was still optimism that he could recover before the international fixtures.

“There is no conflict between the player, the club, or the national team.”

The clarification appears to put an end to suggestions that Osimhen’s absence represented a breakdown in the relationship between the player and Nigeria.

Chelle Clarifies His Comments About Osimhen’s Future

The Super Eagles boss also addressed comments he had previously made regarding the possibility of Osimhen leaving Galatasaray.

Those remarks had reportedly been interpreted as an indication that the Nigerian striker was unhappy in Turkey or wanted a transfer.

Chelle has now insisted that was not what he meant.

According to the Nigeria coach, Osimhen remains happy at Galatasaray, while the club is also satisfied with the striker.

Chelle explained that transfer speculation naturally surrounds players who consistently perform at an elite level.

“I consider him one of the best strikers in the world.”

However, he stressed that discussing potential transfer interest was not the same as claiming that Osimhen wanted to leave Galatasaray.

Osimhen Remains Central to Nigeria’s Plans

The clarification will come as a relief to Nigeria supporters, particularly with Osimhen remaining one of the most important players in the Super Eagles setup.

His absence was noticeable during a busy international period in which Nigeria recorded a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before losing to Guinea-Bissau and drawing 3-3 with Russia.

The Russia match produced an entertaining six-goal contest, with Akor Adams rescuing Nigeria from defeat late in the game.

While the Super Eagles showed attacking quality without Osimhen, Chelle’s comments underline how important the Galatasaray forward remains to his plans.

Nigeria Await Osimhen’s Return

For now, the focus is on Osimhen completing his recovery and returning to full fitness.

Rather than a club-versus-country dispute, Chelle has presented the situation as a straightforward decision based on the striker’s physical condition and the agreement reached with Galatasaray.

With Nigeria continuing to prepare for important fixtures ahead, Osimhen’s eventual return could provide a major boost to Chelle’s attacking options.

For the Super Eagles boss, however, the message is clear: there is no rift to repair.

Osimhen remains valued by Nigeria, Galatasaray remain satisfied with their star forward, and Chelle expects the striker to remain an important part of the Super Eagles’ plans once he is fully fit.