AFCON-Bound Osimhen Faces Turkish Disciplinary Probe After Suspension

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is facing scrutiny in Turkey after receiving a suspension that coincides with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian forward, set to join the national team for the continental tournament, was shown a late yellow card during his club’s Turkish Super Lig clash against Antalyaspor on Saturday, resulting in an automatic one-match ban.

Osimhen had already accumulated bookings in prior matches against Beşiktaş, Kocaelispor, and Fenerbahçe, placing him on a disciplinary tightrope. The recent yellow card pushed him over the threshold, meaning he will miss his club’s next league game against Kasımpaşa. However, as the suspension falls during the international break, he will be available for selection without a domestic ban affecting him afterward.

According to Ireporter Online, Turkish media have suggested that the incident could be escalated to the Turkish Football Federation’s Professional Football Disciplinary Committee. The committee may investigate whether Osimhen intentionally sought the caution under Article 37 of the federation’s disciplinary code, which addresses deliberate yellow cards. If found guilty, the striker could face a two-match ban, potentially impacting several key fixtures for his club, depending on Nigeria’s progress at AFCON.

Osimhen remains focused on joining the Super Eagles squad, while his club and supporters await the outcome of the possible disciplinary review in Turkey.