Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has accused Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen of deliberately faking injury to avoid playing in the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Osimhen, who returned to his Turkish club Galatasaray after sustaining an ankle problem during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda last weekend, was absent in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Galatasaray later released a medical report confirming the 26-year-old had suffered ankle ligament damage.
But Gyan, speaking to Turkish outlet habersarikirmizi, claimed the injury was staged under club pressure.
I know these tricks. Someone told Osimhen: We invested a lot of money in you, and the Champions League is coming up. We don’t want you staying long in Africa. Go, play a bit, then get injured and lie down. The next day you’ll be in Türkiye, Gyan said.
His comments have sparked controversy among fans, with many questioning the timing of Osimhen’s injury and the relationship between African players.
