Nigeria manager Eric Chelle expects Europe’s top sides to show interest in Victor Osimhen after the striker helped Galatasaray to claim the Turkish title.
The 26-year-old is set to return to parent club Napoli after scoring 37 goals in 41 games during his season-long loan in Istanbul.
He has one year remaining on his contract in Italy but is expected to leave Naples as he is not part of coach Antonio Conte’s plans.
With his club future uncertain, Osimhen has been left out of the Super Eagles squad for the international friendly away against Russia on Friday.
“Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world,” Chelle told Sport Africa.
“For him it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure.
“The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%.
“I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move].
“Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that.”