Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been named the 2026 Milliyet Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Nigerian ever to win the prestigious honour.
The award was presented at the 72nd AXA Sigorta Milliyet Sports Awards, an annual event widely regarded as the “Oscars of sports” in Turkey, celebrating outstanding performances across different sporting disciplines.
Osimhen’s victory places him among a select group of international stars who have received the honour. The Super Eagles forward is now only the fifth non-Turkish player to win the award, joining distinguished names such as Alex de Souza, Fernando Muslera, Enner Valencia, and Mauro Icardi, all of whom left significant marks on Turkish football.
The Nigerian striker has enjoyed an impressive spell with Galatasaray, where his performances have made him one of the most influential players in the Turkish league. His goals, relentless pressing, and leadership in attack have played a major role in the club’s successes and earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike.
Although Osimhen could not attend the ceremony in person because he is currently recovering from arm surgery, the forward joined the event through a video message to express his gratitude.
“Thank you for the award. Using this opportunity, I would like to thank my club Galatasaray, my fans, my teammates, my president, and my coach. I hope to return soon. Thank you,” he said.
During the ceremony, Uğurcan Çakır received the award on Osimhen’s behalf and praised the Nigerian star, describing him as both a talented footballer and a respected personality within the team.
“Osimhen is a valuable footballer and a good person. Next year, I will try to win this award myself,” Çakır said while accepting the honour on behalf of his teammate.
Osimhen’s recognition is another milestone in a career that has seen him rise to become one of Africa’s most prominent footballers. His success in Turkey continues to highlight the growing influence of Nigerian players on the global football stage.
For Nigeria, the award is more than just a personal achievement, it represents another proud moment for the country’s football legacy, as Osimhen continues to inspire a new generation of young talents dreaming of success on the international stage
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