Former Nigerian U-17 teammates Funsho Bamgboye and Victor Osimhen shared a heartwarming reunion after their teams, Hatayspor and Galatasaray, played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The match, which took place on January 17, 2025, saw Victor Osimhen, now a Galatasaray star, convert a crucial penalty to equalize after Cemali Sertel gave Hatayspor an early lead.
However, the highlight of the evening for Nigerian football fans came post-match when Osimhen and Bamgboye embraced, rekindling memories of their historic triumph in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Bamgboye, a standout performer during that tournament, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victorious campaign.
The forward made five appearances, recorded three assists, and scored the decisive second goal in the final against Mali to seal a 2-0 win. Alongside Osimhen, who was the tournament’s top scorer, Bamgboye helped the Golden Eaglets secure their fifth world title.
Now starring for Hatayspor, Bamgboye has continued to impress in the Turkish league, showcasing the same drive and creativity that made him a youth sensation.
Osimhen, on the other hand, has grown into one of Europe’s most feared strikers and remains a key figure for both Galatasaray and the Nigerian national team.
The post-match scene reminded fans of the duo’s shared journey from youth football stardom to professional success. It also highlighted the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s U-17 program in producing world-class talent.
For football enthusiasts, this was more than a game—it was a celebration of Nigerian football history.
