One of the main reasons Victor Osimhen is expected to miss Nigeria’s June international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal is due to fitness concerns. Osimhen has not played competitive football for over three weeks and two days since the season ended.
He has been on holiday during that period and has not been involved in full‑match activity, meaning he may not yet be match‑fit enough for international action.
This comes shortly after Osimhen clarified Eric Chelle’s earlier comments, which caused confusion about his absence. Chelle had initially suggested Osimhen was missing from the squad because he was planning a move to a new club.
Softfootball gathered that another key factor is his club future. There are currently offers on the table regarding a possible move away from Galatasaray this summer. With transfer discussions ongoing, it makes sense for him to avoid taking unnecessary risks in friendly matches.
Playing in either of the games could expose him to injury, and any setback at this stage could affect or delay a potential transfer. With a major decision around his future still pending, protecting his fitness appears to be the priority.
For now, Osimhen’s absence is down to a combination of fitness management and protecting his next career move ahead of what could be a busy summer transfer window.
If Osimhen decides to stay out of the June friendlies because he isn’t fully match‑fit and there are offers on the table, he is well within his rights to do so. It is his career, and he has every right to protect his fitness and future.
The same situation occurred when fans criticised Victor Boniface after he failed his AC Milan medical due to a knee issue. Many people do not fully understand how football works behind the scenes.
Victor Osimhen is free to decide what is best for his career. If he chooses not to play because he doesn’t want to risk an injury that could jeopardise a potential move, that is completely his decision. If he plays, gets injured, and then fails a medical because of it, the same critics would still speak negatively, which is why players must protect themselves and make decisions that secure their future.
