First match of the 2nd UEFA Champions League preliminary, GNK Dinamo – Hapoel Beer-Sheva.. Amer Gojak, John Ogu [Photo credit/IMAGO]
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and John Ogu have both represented the Nigerian national team, although only Osimhen is currently an active member of the squad…
Former Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has revealed that Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk once tried to lure him to Turkey during his time with Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ogu made the revelation while responding to a post by Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, who had praised Buruk’s influence at Galatasaray.
According to Buchi, the 51-year-old coach is one of the main reasons top players are attracted to the Istanbul giants.
“That’s why you Galatasaray fans should appreciate Okan Buruk more. Fantastic manager that’s respected by his players and the club. I can tell you for a fact most players join the club after speaking to Okan because he’s a gentleman and represents the values of Galatasaray,” Buchi Laba wrote on X.
Ogu then confirmed the journalist’s words by recounting his own personal experience with Buruk in 2019. The Nigerian international explained how the Turkish coach made a direct phone call to him to sign him for Rizespor.
“A very gentle man. 2019 he called me and was straight to me on how he sees me as a player and he wants me to join his team Rizespor. Then I was with Hapoel Beer Sheva,” Ogu revealed.
Although the transfer never materialised, Ogu admitted that Buruk left a lasting impression on him with his straightforward approach.
Now managing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray, Buruk continues to attract admiration in the football world.