A recent online edit has triggered heated debate in Turkey after a well-known mosque was briefly renamed in honor of football star Victor Osimhen.
The Bulut Mosque in Konya was listed online as “Victor Osimhen Mosque,” sparking anger among many local Muslim worshippers. Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who recently joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal following a stellar loan spell, enjoys massive popularity among the club’s supporters. His arrival in Istanbul drew huge crowds of fans eager to welcome their new hero.
However, while supporters have found various ways to celebrate Osimhen’s signing, the decision to associate his name with a mosque has not been received positively. Many congregants see it as disrespectful, pointing out that the player is a Christian and has no connection to the mosque or to Konya.
Some worshippers expressed their frustration, calling the renaming an insult to their faith and to the sanctity of their place of worship. The Bulut Mosque has been a central place for the local Muslim community for more than a decade, and residents stressed that its identity should not be altered for unrelated tributes. Others questioned why anyone would link a football player to a religious institution, particularly without his involvement or consent.
Reports indicate that Osimhen himself is unaware of the temporary name change, which appears to have been the work of an overzealous supporter or prankster through online mapping services. The incident highlights how easily public listings can be manipulated, often causing unintended offense.
This is not the first time unusual tributes have been made to Osimhen in Turkey. Earlier this year, two lion cubs at a zoo in Antalya were renamed after him and a teammate’s son, becoming mascots for Galatasaray’s title celebrations. While such gestures were warmly received by fans, the mosque incident has drawn a clear line between harmless fun and matters of religious respect.
Local authorities and community leaders have urged for greater caution and cultural sensitivity when creating public tributes, especially those touching on faith. For many in Konya, the mosque renaming serves as a reminder that sports enthusiasm should never override the reverence and traditions associated with religious spaces.
