Victor Osimhen’s name has become ubiquitous in Turkey, he has been named the most-searched sports figure in the country for 2025, an accolade that underscores a breakout period both on and off the field. Osimhen’s year has been defined by glittering club accomplishments, a blockbuster transfer and the mounting expectation that he will translate club form into international silverware at the upcoming AFCON.

Osimhen’s trajectory this year began with a dominant spell at Galatasaray, where his goalscoring contributed significantly to the club’s domestic double: the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup. That form fuelled intense transfer speculation in the summer but the move that closed the window was seismic: Galatasaray secured Osimhen permanently in a Turkish-record deal reportedly worth €75 million and matched it with the country’s highest-ever salary package. The transfer highlighted Osimhen’s commercial and sporting value and explained his ascent as Turkey’s most-searched sporting personality for a second consecutive year.

Since making the permanent move, Osimhen has continued to deliver. He recorded three league goals in his opening 10 appearances and an eye-catching six goals across three UEFA Champions League outings, figures that underline his dual threat domestically and in Europe’s elite competition. These numbers confirm why supporters, pundits and search engines alike are gravitating toward his name.

Despite the club glitter, Osimhen’s relationship with national team outcomes has been more complicated. The striker’s goals have not yet translated into a major trophy for Nigeria: he has yet to lift an AFCON title or steer his nation to the 2026 World Cup, a defeat that remains a notable gap on his CV. Heading into AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Osimhen carries both personal ambition and national expectation: a tournament win would not only fill that missing chapter but also solidify his status among Nigeria’s all-time great strikers.

Coach Eric Chelle has included Osimhen in his 55-man provisional squad for the tournament. Barring injury or late tactical reshaping, Osimhen is likely to make the final 28-man roster. For Osimhen, the challenge will be to replicate his club consistency in a national side that has sometimes suffered from structure and momentum problems. AFCON presents a concentrated, intense environment where individual brilliance must marry defensive solidity and midfield orchestration.

Osimhen’s individual accolades and commercial visibility will naturally continue to make headlines but he will be judged, ultimately, on silverware. A successful AFCON campaign would not only provide personal redemption but also offer a crowning jewel to a season already rich in trophies and record transfers.

For now, Osimhen remains the talk of Turkey and a focal point of Nigeria’s attacking hopes. The coming weeks will reveal whether his club form and reputation as a global goal-scorer can be converted into continental glory for the Super Eagles.