Nigeria internationals Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke have turned their attention to the 2026/27 campaign as they begin preparations for the new club season, with both players determined to build on their recent performances despite ongoing transfer speculation.
The two Super Eagles stars are among several Nigerian footballers returning to Europe after the summer break, using pre-season training to regain peak fitness, adapt to their coaches’ tactical demands and compete for regular starting places ahead of another demanding campaign.
For Osimhen, the new season presents another opportunity to reinforce his status as one of Europe’s most feared strikers. The prolific forward has enjoyed an outstanding spell with Galatasaray, where his goals and leadership have made him one of the Turkish club’s most influential players. Reports in Turkey continue to indicate that both the player and the club are keen to continue their successful partnership despite persistent interest from several top European clubs.
The 27-year-old heads into pre-season with confidence after another productive campaign in front of goal. His movement inside the penalty area, aerial ability and relentless work rate have made him a fan favourite in Istanbul, while his consistent performances have kept him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.
Galatasaray’s coaching staff are expected to use the coming weeks to prepare the squad for another challenge in the Turkish Super Lig and European competition. Osimhen is likely to play a central role in those plans, with the club eager to build another title-winning campaign around the Nigerian international. Club president Dursun Özbek has publicly insisted that Galatasaray have no intention of selling the striker, describing him as happy at the club.
Pre-season is particularly important for Osimhen because it provides valuable time to sharpen his match fitness, improve tactical understanding with teammates and prepare for the physical demands of a long campaign. Coaches often view this period as the foundation for success throughout the season, with training sessions focusing on endurance, pressing systems and attacking combinations.
Meanwhile, Ejuke is preparing for another important season with Sevilla, although his return has been affected by administrative issues that delayed his arrival for the opening phase of pre-season. The Spanish club expects the Nigerian winger to join the squad once those matters are resolved.
The former CSKA Moscow player remains one of Nigeria’s most exciting wide attackers. Renowned for his pace, close control and dribbling ability, Ejuke has repeatedly demonstrated his capacity to unlock stubborn defences and create scoring opportunities from wide positions.
However, his future at Sevilla has attracted considerable attention during the summer transfer window. Reports from Spain suggest the club is willing to consider offers for several players as part of efforts to reduce its wage bill and reshape the squad, with Ejuke attracting interest from clubs in the Middle East.
Despite the uncertainty, the winger’s immediate focus remains on preparing professionally and impressing the coaching staff whenever he rejoins training. Strong performances during pre-season could prove decisive in determining his role for the upcoming campaign or increasing his value should a transfer materialise.
For Nigeria’s national team, the progress of both players will be closely monitored by the Super Eagles coaching crew. Osimhen continues to lead the country’s attack and remains one of Africa’s most prolific forwards, while Ejuke offers creativity and direct running that can change games against organised opposition.
Maintaining regular club football will be essential as Nigeria prepares for future international assignments. Consistent performances at club level often influence national team selection, making the coming months especially significant for both players.
Football analysts frequently describe pre-season as one of the most demanding periods of the calendar. Beyond rebuilding physical fitness, players must adapt to tactical adjustments, integrate new teammates and convince coaches they deserve starting roles. For established internationals such as Osimhen and Ejuke, it is also an opportunity to set standards for younger squad members.
Supporters in Nigeria will be hoping both stars enjoy injury-free preparations and carry that momentum into the competitive season. Their form will not only benefit their respective clubs but could also strengthen the Super Eagles as the national team looks ahead to major continental and international competitions.
As training intensifies across Europe, Osimhen and Ejuke begin another chapter in their careers with clear objectives. One aims to continue leading Galatasaray’s pursuit of trophies, while the other seeks to establish himself firmly in Sevilla’s plans despite speculation surrounding his future.
Regardless of what the transfer window may bring, both Nigerian internationals understand that success begins on the training ground. Their commitment during pre-season could lay the foundation for another memorable campaign, giving fans every reason to believe that two of the country’s brightest football talents are ready to make a significant impact once again.
