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Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will make his much-anticipated return to action on Friday against Karagumruk, even as an unexpected mosque-naming controversy continues to make waves in Turkey.
Osimhen, who joined the Istanbul giants from Napoli this summer in a record €75 million deal, was left out of Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Gaziantep. Buruk defended the decision, insisting it was purely about fitness.
“Osimhen had a five or six-day training period,” Buruk told CNN Turk. “Playing during that period could have been risky for him. I spoke to him about this, and he indicated he was considering resting for this match and aiming for some playing time in the next one.”
The Super Eagles forward reported late for pre-season training due to drawn-out transfer negotiations. But just days into his arrival, he found himself caught in an off-field controversy.
According to Fanatik, the Bulut Mosque in Konya’s Karatay district, completed in 2008, was unexpectedly listed on Google Maps as “Victor Osimhen Mosque.” Worshippers have voiced strong objections, insisting the name be restored to its original.
“We have been a congregation of Bulut Mosque since we have been here,” one worshipper said. “We are against it being changed to Victor Osimhen. The name Victor Osimhen is Christian.”
Another congregant argued, “This has been the Bulut Mosque for 10 years. He is not a Konyaspor player and did nothing for this mosque. We don’t understand the relevance.”
Local community member Zeki Yaylacı went further, calling the change “an insult to Muslims” and urging tighter controls on online edits.
There is no evidence Osimhen knew about or was involved in the change, which appears to have stemmed from incorrect Google Maps edits. Authorities are now being urged to fix the listing.
Osimhen, who netted 37 goals and eight assists for Galatasaray last season while on loan, has resumed full training and is poised to make his competitive debut as the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.
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