Former Turkey international Ümit Özat believes the presence of Victor Osimhen in Turkish football should be seen as more than just a successful signing for Galatasaray, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to him, it is a rare opportunity for the country to improve how it develops young strikers.
Speaking during a television programme as per OkuHaber, Özat called on the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to take advantage of Osimhen’s presence by allowing young national team players to learn directly from the Nigerian forward. In his view, the federation should even set aside a part of its budget to make this happen.
Özat explained that Osimhen could act as a ‘practical training model' for youth teams. Instead of young players only learning from textbooks and classroom explanations, they could watch and train with a world-class striker in real situations on the pitch.
Özat is convinced Osimhen is a ‘living laboratory' for forwards. He believes young players can study how the Nigerian works, moves, and prepares for matches.
“Let this child come and show them live in training how to play as a striker,” Özat suggested, stressing that practical learning can sometimes be more powerful than theory.
He pointed out two key areas where Osimhen could inspire young players.
First is work ethic. Osimhen’s strong commitment to training and professionalism shows what it takes to reach the highest level of football. Second is training discipline. The Nigerian striker keeps high intensity during training sessions, something Özat believes young players must learn early in their careers.
Özat also broke down the technical qualities that make Osimhen special. He said young Turkish forwards could learn from his smart positioning, especially how he presses defenders and chooses the right moment to attack the ball.
Another important skill is his attacking movement. Osimhen makes clever runs to the near and far posts just seconds before a cross arrives, often confusing defenders.
Özat also praised his decision-making and game intelligence, including knowing when to hold the ball, when to move, and how to link up with teammates.
Finally, he highlighted Osimhen’s ability to play with his back to goal, using strength and technique to hold defenders off while bringing others into the attack.
The former Turkey defender also criticised the current coaching system, claiming that some of these skills are difficult to teach in normal training sessions.
He said he once suggested a similar idea involving Croatian legend Davor Šuker, but the plan was never taken seriously.
Turkish football must not repeat the same mistake, says Özat. He believes having a striker of Osimhen’s level in the league is a rare opportunity that should not be wasted.
Victor Osimhen targets Champions League record against Liverpool
While the debate about his wider impact continues, Victor Osimhen’s immediate focus will be on the pitch.
The Nigerian striker is expected to lead the attack when Galatasaray host Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Osimhen will enter the match with a personal milestone in sight. The forward is aiming to equal the record for the most Champions League goals scored by a player from a Turkish club in a single season.
The record is currently held by Burak Yılmaz, who scored eight goals for Galatasaray during the 2012-13 Champions League campaign.
So far this season, Osimhen has already scored seven goals in the competition. If he finds the net against Liverpool, he will move level with Yılmaz and put himself in a strong position to break the record later in the tournament.
The Nigerian has been one of Galatasaray’s most important players throughout the season. Across all competitions, he has made 26 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists.
