Asamoah Gyan vs Victor Osimhen: Ghana Legend Responds to ‘Fake Injury’ Allegations
- Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan has responded to a viral report alleging that he accused Victor Osimhen of faking an injury
- The claims, linked to Gyan, surfaced at a time when Nigeria is struggling for form in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- Osimhen was absent from the Super Eagles’ line-up in their 1-1 draw against South Africa
Asamoah Gyan has firmly distanced himself from reports suggesting he questioned Victor Osimhen’s injury during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
The former Napoli striker was forced off in the 35th minute after clutching his calf.
Earlier in the game, he had found the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Source: Getty Images
Without their star forward, the Super Eagles struggled to create clear chances before substitute Tolu Arokodare grabbed the only goal, giving Nigeria a hard-fought home victory.
In the aftermath, a story circulated online claiming Gyan had dismissed the legitimacy of Osimhen’s injury, alleging that his club, Galatasaray, might be protecting him ahead of European commitments.
The supposed quote, published on Dailysports.net and attributed to Gyan, read:
“I know these tricks. Someone told Osimhen: ‘Look, we spent a lot of money on you. The Champions League is coming up, and we’re not thrilled about you flying off to Africa for this international break. But go, play a little, lie down on the pitch, and pretend it’s serious. The next day, you’ll already be back in Turkey. It’s just to avoid media noise.’”
Asamoah Gyan denies accusing Osimhen of faking injury
The former Black Stars captain, who remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer, swiftly took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to set the record straight.
“THIS NEWS IS FAKE MY BROTHER,” Gyan wrote, making it clear that the circulating statement was entirely fabricated.
His denial comes at a time when Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hang in the balance, with the team under pressure despite boasting some of Africa’s brightest talents.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread
Osimhen did not make the squad for Nigeria’s next match in Bloemfontein, where the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by group leaders South Africa. The result leaves their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
The three-time African champions, who missed the 2022 World Cup after a painful elimination by Ghana, now sit third in Group C with 11 points. They trail Benin by three and are six behind South Africa.
Check Nigeria's group standings:
With two games left, against Lesotho away and Benin at home, Nigeria must win both and hope Bafana Bafana falter to secure automatic qualification.
Another possibility lies with FIFA, after South Africa fielded Tebogo Mokoena despite his suspension for the match against Lesotho.
Should the protest succeed, South Africa could be stripped of three points and three goals, giving Nigeria a lifeline.
Meanwhile, questions remain about Osimhen’s fitness. Transfermarkt lists him with an ankle sprain, with a possible return on September 23.
Gyan vows to expose those who lied about him
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Asamoah Gyan vowed to expose individuals he says have peddled lies about him.
The 39-year-old revealed that Friday, July 18, will be the day he finally addresses those he believes have deliberately tarnished his reputation.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
