Former Turkey international Ümit Özat has called on the Turkish Football Federation to use Victor Osimhen as a live training model for the country’s young strikers, describing the Nigerian as a rare opportunity Turkish football cannot afford to waste.
Speaking on a television program, Özat urged the TFF to allocate budget resources allowing youth national team players to train directly with the Galatasaray star and learn from his methods.
Living Laboratory for Strikers
“Let this child come and show them live in training how to play as a striker,” Özat said, arguing that practical learning with a world-class forward beats classroom instruction.
The 52-year-old described Osimhen as a living laboratory, offering lessons in work ethic, training discipline, and technical excellence that young Turkish players desperately need.
Özat highlighted specific qualities worth studying, such as intelligent positioning and pressing, attacking movement with clever near-post and far-post runs, decision-making and game intelligence, and exceptional back-to-goal play using strength and technique to hold off defenders.
Previous Failed Attempt
Özat revealed he previously suggested a similar initiative with Croatian legend Davor Šuker, but the idea was never taken seriously. He warned Turkish football must not repeat that mistake.
“Having a striker of Osimhen’s level in the league is a rare opportunity that should not be wasted,” Özat insisted.
Chasing Champions League History
Osimhen enters Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Liverpool with personal history in sight. The Nigerian has seven Champions League goals this season and needs one more to equal Burak Yılmaz’s record of eight goals in a single Champions League campaign for a Turkish club, set during the 2012-13 season.
The 26-year-old has been exceptional for Galatasaray across all competitions, scoring 18 goals with six assists in 26 appearances. His form has made him one of Europe’s most productive strikers this season.
Galatasaray face Liverpool in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, with Osimhen expected to lead the attack as the Turkish champions look to upset one of Europe’s elite teams.
