Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray has brought new spotlight to Nigerian involvement at the Turkish powerhouse. With his outstanding season, the Super Eagles striker has revived interest in the legacy of other Nigerians who wore the famous yellow and red.
In this article, FootyNaija.com ranks the top five Nigerian footballers in Galatasaray’s history, using performance, impact, consistency, fan reception, and overall contribution as major metrics.
5. Jesse Sekidika
Jesse Sekidika joined Galatasaray in January 2020 after an impressive run in the Turkish second division. The winger showed potential with his speed and direct style of play but found it difficult to secure regular minutes. He made 12 appearances across all competitions and scored once before heading out on loan to Konyaspor and OH Leuven.
Though he did not win trophies or have long-term influence at the club, Sekidika still stands as one of the few Nigerian players trusted with a role in Galatasaray’s first team. His brief stint earns him a spot in this list ahead of others who never featured at all.
4. Dominic Iorfa
Dominic Iorfa became the first Nigerian to play for Galatasaray when he joined the club in the 1991–92 season. The striker made 8 appearances and scored 3 goals during his short spell in Istanbul.
Although he did not stay long or win silverware, Iorfa’s move was historic. He opened the door for future Nigerian footballers to explore opportunities in Turkish football, becoming a trailblazer in the process. His contributions are remembered not just for numbers, but for pioneering representation.
3. Oghenekaro Etebo
Oghenekaro Etebo arrived at Galatasaray on loan from Stoke City for the 2020–21 season. The Super Eagles midfielder brought grit and energy to the middle of the park, making 29 appearances in all competitions. While he did not score, his presence was important in Galatasaray’s push for the league title, which they narrowly lost on goal difference.
2. Henry Onyekuru
Henry Onyekuru enjoyed three loan spells at Galatasaray between 2018 and 2021 and became a fan favourite during his time in Istanbul. He played 71 matches and contributed 22 goals and 12 assists, with his most successful campaign coming in 2018–19 when he scored 16 goals and helped the club win both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup.
Onyekuru’s electric pace and eye for goal made him one of the most exciting players in the league. His ability to change games with individual brilliance cemented his status in the hearts of supporters. Few foreign players have made such an immediate and lasting impact at Galatasaray.
1. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray ahead of the 2024–25 season and delivered one of the most dominant individual campaigns in the club’s modern era. In 41 appearances across all competitions, he scored 37 goals and provided 8 assists.
He finished as the Süper Lig top scorer with 26 league goals and fired Galatasaray to the league title. In the Turkish Cup, he scored a brace in the final against Trabzonspor to complete a domestic double. In Europe, Osimhen netted 6 goals in 7 UEFA Europa League appearances.
Beyond stats, Osimhen’s impact was undeniable. His presence transformed Galatasaray’s attack, and his consistency in front of goal helped deliver results in big games. He also broke the record for the most goals scored by a foreign player in a single season for Galatasaray, surpassing Mario Jardel’s previous mark.