Osimhen: Top Nigerian footballers who have played for Galatasaray

Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s most successful and historic football teams, has been fortunate to host many talented Nigerian footballers over the years.

These Super Eagles stars have made a lasting impact on the Turkish giants, showcasing their skills and contributing significantly to the club’s success.

Following another Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen’s recent sensational move to the Turkish top-flight team from Napoli on loan, Sporting Tribune takes a look at other top Nigerian footballers who have played for Galatasary.

Henry Onyekuru

Henry Onyekuru, arguably the most accomplished Nigerian to don the Galatasaray jersey, had three distinct loan spells with the club between 2018 and 2021. The winger quickly won over fans in Istanbul with his thrilling and dynamic style of play.

Onyekuru’s time at Galatasaray was notably successful, as he scored 22 goals and made 12 assists in 71 appearances, playing a key role in the club’s triumphs in the Turkish Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup. He currently plays as a winger for Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, where he has netted 10 goals in 24 appearances since joining in 2023.

Oghenekaro Etebo

Another Nigerian footballer who has represented Galatasaray is Oghenekaro Etebo, who joined the Turkish club on a season-long loan from Stoke City in 2020.

The Super Eagles midfielder became a key player for the Turkish side, making 29 appearances as they came close to clinching the league title. However, despite his solid performances, Galatasaray opted not to make the move permanent, leading to Etebo’s return to Stoke City. Currently, Etebo is playing for another Turkish team, Gençlerbirliği.

Valentine Ozornwafor

In 2019, Galatasaray signed Nigerian defender Valentine Ozornwafor on a four-year deal from Enyimba, a club in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). However, his time in Turkey proved underwhelming, as he was quickly loaned to Almeria in Spain and later to Royal Charleroi in Belgium. Over his three-year stint with Galatasaray between 2019 and 2022, the 25-year-old managed only a single appearance for the Turkish club.

Dominic Iorfa

Retired Nigerian striker, Dominic Iorfa also had a short but memorable spell with Galatasaray during the 1991/92 Turkish Süper Lig season. Iorfa, who earned 21 caps for the Nigerian national team, found the back of the net three times in nine appearances for Galatasaray before moving to English club Peterborough United. He is currently a member of the board of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the Chairman of Lobi Stars F.C.

Jesse Tamunobaraboye Sekidika

Sekidika is a Nigerian footballer currently plying his trade as a winger for Sabah in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

In January 2020, Sekidika signed with Süper Lig side Galatasaray. Sekidika trained hard and played in a friendly against Altay. After the friendly match Sekidika stated that “this is just beginning and I am so excited to play such a great football club”.

He had a short stint making just 12 appearances with a sole goal to show over that period.

His contract was terminated by Galatasaray on 15 August 2022.