Galatasaray fans have been banned from wearing Victor Osimhen’s iconic mask to stadiums in Turkey on matchdays.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last summer and has enjoyed a bright start to life in Turkey. He immediately built a passionate connection with the fans, who besieged the airport to welcome him in the early hours of the day he flew in from Italy to complete his move in September. The club’s supporters in large numbers wear a replica of his face mask to match venues in league.
But according to Fanatik, the club has informed the fans to leave their mask at home henceforth.
“We would like to inform you that masks will not be allowed into the stadium on match days in accordance with the sports law, and we kindly request that this rule be taken into consideration in terms of compliance with the stadium rules,” the club is quoted as saying in a statement.
“We strongly recommend that you take the necessary precautions for your safety and compliance with the stadium rules. We wish you enjoyable and safe match days.”
Osimhen has been wearing the mask since November 2021, after he suffered a nasty facial injury in a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, in a Serie A game.
The injury was one of the reasons why he missed the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
The former Lille attacker opened his goal account for the Super Lig giants with a brace in their 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa at the RAMS Park last weekend. He also has three assists for the club.
But he is currently injured with a thigh strain and has not been invited for Nigeria’s double-header in this month’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.
Osimhen has missed all four of Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers through injuries. It has been reported that he could be back on the field after the international break.
