Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s move to Turkey has taken an unexpected twist after his name was linked to a mosque-renaming dispute in Konya.
The 26-year-old joined Turkish giants Galatasaray this summer from Italian champions Napoli in a record €75 million deal, becoming the most expensive signing in the country’s football history.
Read Also: “I’m Back to Full Fitness” Declares David Stockbrink as He Receives Flying Eagles Call-Up Ahead of U-20 World Cup
His contract also reportedly ranks him among Europe’s highest-paid players.
However, just days after his arrival, Osimhen has found himself at the centre of local controversy. Turkish outlet Fanatik reports that the Bulut Mosque, located in the central Karatay district and completed in 2008, was recently listed on Google Maps as “Victor Osimhen Mosque.”
The unexpected change has drawn backlash from worshippers, who insist the original name must be restored.
“We have been a congregation of Bulut Mosque since its opening,” one worshipper said. “We are against it being changed to Victor Osimhen. The name Victor Osimhen is a Christian name. As the mosque congregation, we want the authorities to look into this issue.”
Another congregant expressed similar frustration:
“On the internet, it says the mosque is in Victor Osimhen’s name, but this has been the Bulut Mosque for over 10 years. Everyone knows it as such. He’s not a Konyaspor player, he’s done nothing for the mosque, and we don’t understand the connection.”
Zeki Yaylacı, another community member, went further, calling the situation “an insult to Muslims, the mosque community, and mosques themselves,” and urged authorities to regulate such changes to prevent future incidents.
There is no indication that Osimhen had any knowledge of or involvement in the renaming.
The situation appears to be the result of incorrect user edits on Google Maps, which local residents are now asking authorities to correct.
On the football front, Osimhen is preparing for his debut with Galatasaray. The Super Eagles star missed the club’s 3-0 opening-day win over Gaziantep in the Turkish Super Lig but has since returned to full training.
He is expected to make his first appearance at RAMS Park this Friday in Galatasaray’s home opener.
