Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, Asamoah Gyan, has launched a scathing accusation against Victor Osimhen, claiming the Nigerian striker faked injury during the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Osimhen, who recently completed a high-profile transfer to Galatasaray, left the field in the 35th minute with what appeared to be a worrying injury.
His absence ruled him out of Nigeria’s subsequent clash with South Africa, which ended 1-1 on Tuesday.
However, Gyan believes the incident was staged to protect the forward ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League commitments.
“I know these tricks. Someone told Osimhen: ‘Look, we spent a lot of money on you. The Champions League is coming up, and we’re not thrilled about you flying off to Africa for this international break. But go, play a little, lie down on the pitch, and pretend it’s serious. The next day you’ll already be back in Turkey. It’s just to avoid media noise,’” Gyan told Dailysports.net.
“Trust me, you’ll see him fresh and running at full speed in the Turkish league and the Champions League, and no matter how many times he gets hit there, he won’t be lying on the ground. The doctors are in on it too. Euro is worth more than naira,” he added.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes are now in serious doubt. With two games left, the Super Eagles sit second in their group on 11 points, six adrift of leaders South Africa, and face the risk of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
