Galatasaray Ask Osimhen to Help Secure Ademola Lookman Transfer

Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly enlisted the help of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in their ambitious bid to sign fellow Nigerian international Ademola Lookman from Atlético Madrid this summer.

According to reports from Turkish outlet Fotomaç, Galatasaray view Lookman as a key target as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season and another campaign in the UEFA Champions League. The club is believed to have asked Osimhen to use his close relationship with the reigning African Footballer of the Year to help persuade him to consider a move to Istanbul.

The move underlines Galatasaray’s determination to assemble a formidable squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe. Club officials reportedly believe that Osimhen’s influence and popularity among Nigerian players could be instrumental in opening discussions with Lookman.

The 28-year-old attacker only joined Atlético Madrid from Atalanta during the January transfer window in a deal reportedly worth €35 million. Since arriving in Spain, Lookman has quickly established himself as an important member of Diego Simeone’s squad.

The Nigerian forward enjoyed an impressive second half of the season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. His contributions helped Atlético Madrid reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the final of the Copa del Rey, where he delivered several crucial performances, including goals against Barcelona.

Reports in Turkey claim Osimhen has already held informal conversations with his international teammate regarding a potential move to Galatasaray. While there is no official agreement between the clubs, the Turkish giants are said to be optimistic that the strong bond between both players could help facilitate negotiations.

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However, securing Lookman’s signature is expected to be a difficult task.

Atlético Madrid signed the Nigerian winger on a long-term contract and are reportedly reluctant to part ways with one of their most influential attacking players so soon after his arrival. The Spanish club are also facing uncertainty in their forward line following recent squad changes, making Lookman an even more valuable asset for Simeone.

Beyond Atlético Madrid’s resistance, financial considerations could also complicate any potential deal. Lookman’s salary package in Spain is believed to be significantly higher than the wages earned by most Galatasaray players, meaning the Turkish champions would likely need to structure an attractive financial package to make the transfer feasible.

Galatasaray have, however, shown a willingness to invest heavily in elite talent. The club demonstrated its financial strength by securing Osimhen on a permanent deal after his successful loan spell, making the Nigerian striker one of the highest-paid players in Turkish football.

Osimhen has become a fan favourite since arriving in Istanbul, regularly expressing his admiration for the club, supporters and atmosphere. His successful experience at Galatasaray could be one of the factors the club hopes will convince Lookman to consider a move.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Lookman has been linked with Turkish football. Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe were previously credited with interest in the winger before his move to Atlético Madrid earlier this year.

For now, negotiations remain at an early stage, but Galatasaray’s decision to involve Osimhen highlights how highly the club rates Lookman. Whether the Turkish champions can produce an offer strong enough to convince Atlético Madrid to sell remains the biggest question in what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories involving Nigerian footballers this summer.

Galatasaray Ask Osimhen to Help Secure Ademola Lookman Transfer

Tobi Amusan Storms to Gold in Taiwan with New Meet Record

Nigeria’s sprint hurdling star, Tobi Amusan, produced another outstanding performance on Saturday, winning the women’s 100m hurdles at the New Taipei Athletics Open in Taiwan while setting a new competition record.

The 29-year-old clocked 12.72 seconds to secure the gold medal in commanding fashion, finishing well ahead of her closest rivals and further strengthening her reputation in international athletics and women’s sprint hurdles.

Amusan’s performance erased the previous meet record of 12.80 seconds, which was held by former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Nia Ali of the United States, confirming her continued dominance on the global circuit.

The Nigerian athlete showed early intent after dominating her heat in the preliminary rounds before carrying the same momentum into the final.

In the final race, Amusan surged into the lead after clearing the fourth hurdle and gradually widened the gap, displaying exceptional rhythm, speed, and technical control over the hurdles.

She crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the field, with Taiwan’s Bo Ya Zhang taking silver in 13.17 seconds, while Yi Po-an claimed bronze in 13.37 seconds.

Spectators at the venue erupted in cheers as Amusan finished in style, underlining her superiority in the event.

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The victory marks another milestone in Amusan’s impressive 2026 season, as she continues to deliver consistent podium finishes across major competitions.

It is the second time this season that she has broken a meeting record, having previously achieved a similar feat at the Rabat Diamond League, where she also demonstrated strong form against world-class opposition.

Amusan has now won three of her five races this season, maintaining a perfect record of podium finishes and reinforcing her status as one of the leading contenders in global athletics championships.

Her latest triumph further boosts her momentum as she builds toward upcoming international events, where she is expected to compete against the world’s best hurdlers.

Since her historic world record run and World Championship gold medal in 2022, Amusan has remained one of the most consistent performers in women’s hurdles, combining speed, technique, and experience to stay competitive at elite level.

Her continued success in 2026 highlights her sustained excellence and readiness for future global titles.

Tobi Amusan Storms to Gold in Taiwan with New Meet Record

Rivers United Players, Officials Escape Serious Harm in Road Accident

Players and officials of Rivers United were involved in a road accident on Thursday while traveling to Awka, ahead of their President’s Federation Cup Round of 16 encounter against Nasarawa United.

The incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt shortly after the team departed from its camp for the journey to Anambra State.

In an official statement released by the club, Rivers United confirmed that some players and team officials sustained minor injuries in the accident. However, the club assured supporters and the general public that no fatalities or life-threatening injuries were recorded.

According to the statement, all affected individuals received immediate medical attention and are currently in stable condition.

“The safety, health and well-being of our players and officials remain our utmost priority. We can confirm that some players and officials sustained minor injuries in the accident. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities or life-threatening injuries reported,” the club stated.

The accident comes just days after Rivers United booked their place in the Round of 16 of the President’s Federation Cup with an impressive 3-2 victory over Rangers International on Monday.

The Port Harcourt-based side is scheduled to face Nasarawa United in the Round of 16 tie in Awka on Saturday, although it remains unclear whether the accident will affect the team’s travel plans or preparations for the crucial fixture.

Football fans and stakeholders across the country have since expressed relief that no lives were lost in the incident, while wishing the injured players and officials a speedy recovery ahead of the highly anticipated Federation Cup clash.

The President’s Federation Cup remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious domestic football competitions, with Rivers United among the leading contenders for this year’s title. As attention turns to Saturday’s encounter against Nasarawa United, supporters will be hoping the team can quickly recover from the unfortunate incident and focus on their pursuit of silverware.

Rivers United Players, Officials Escape Serious Harm in Road Accident