The Ultimate Test: Yakubu Dares Osimhen to Abandon Turkey for the Premier League
‘The Yakubu’ says Galatasaray star must face England’s rigours to prove himself among the world’s elite
The debate over Victor Osimhen’s future has intensified, with former Nigerian international Yakubu Aiyegbeni issuing a direct and unambiguous challenge to his compatriot: abandon the Turkish Super Lig and seek the ultimate test in the English Premier League.
Yakubu, a veteran of the English top flight with clubs like Everton and Portsmouth, argues that Osimhen’s current spell with Galatasaray—where he recently signed permanently after a successful loan—is holding back his potential, claiming a striker of his stature is “wasting his prime” outside of the world’s most competitive league.
The Pressure of the Super Lig
Osimhen, who is currently contracted to stay in Turkey until he is 30, is enjoying life at Galatasaray. However, Yakubu believes the league’s caliber is simply not sufficient for the African Player of the Year.
Speaking to Sportcast, ‘The Yak’ emphasized the unique challenge presented by England’s top division:
“The Premier League is one of the best in the world, where players from Spain… they want to come over to play. For him, he’s been scoring goals and he should come to the Premier League to test himself as well.“
Yakubu differentiated the Premier League’s widespread strength from other top leagues, stating: “When you go to Spain, you have Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid – three or four clubs… but the Premier League is one of the best.”
Wages vs. Legacy
While a move to England has long been cited as Osimhen’s dream destination, Yakubu hinted at the financial hurdles that have kept the prolific striker in Turkey. Suitors were reportedly reluctant to meet his wage demands, forcing him to embrace his successful Turkish move.
Now, Yakubu puts the ball squarely in Osimhen’s court, suggesting a choice must be made between financial gain and career ambition.
“It is just for him to make the decision if he wants to come to play or if he wants to reduce his wages,” Yakubu stated. “He can score goals; he is scoring goals in Galatasaray. But come to the Premier League and let’s see what he can do.“
The challenge is clear: if Osimhen wants to fulfill his destiny and be recognized among the global elite, Yakubu insists he must “give it a go” in England, where his skill set, according to the former striker, could see him “fit into any team, any of the big teams.” The Nigerian legend’s comments are set to reignite speculation as the next transfer window approaches.
