Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is facing criticism in Turkey following claims that he deliberately engineered a suspension ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The controversy arose after Osimhen received a late yellow card in his club’s Turkish Super Lig match against Antalyaspor on Saturday. Heading into the game, the Nigerian forward was already on thin disciplinary ground, having previously been booked in matches against Beşiktaş, Kocaelispor, and Fenerbahçe.

Gossip News Now reports that the 85th-minute yellow card proved costly, pushing Osimhen over the booking limit and triggering an automatic one-match suspension. This means he will miss his club’s next league fixture against Kasımpaşa.

However, with Osimhen named in Nigeria’s 28-man squad for AFCON 2025, the suspension will coincide with the international break, allowing him to return without serving a domestic ban.

Turkish outlet Gazete Gerçek notes that the matter could escalate, as Osimhen may be referred to the Turkish Football Federation’s Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK). Under Article 37 of the federation’s disciplinary code, players suspected of deliberately receiving a yellow card can face further sanctions.

If found guilty of intentionally forcing the booking, Osimhen could receive a two-match ban, potentially causing him to miss key league fixtures against İstanbul Başakşehir, Kasımpaşa, Fethiyespor, Trabzonspor, and Gaziantep FK, depending on Nigeria’s progress at AFCON.

For now, Osimhen remains focused on joining the Super Eagles camp, while his club and fans await the outcome of the possible disciplinary review in Turkey.