Henry Onyekuru's cup heroics with Galatasaray will not benefit his appeal for a British work permit at Everton.
Onyekuru helped the Turkish giants lift the Turkish Cup on Wednesday as Fatih Terim’s men came from behind to defeat Akhisar Belediyespor 3-1 with goals from Sinan Gumus, Sofiane Feghouli and Mbaye Diagne.
Galatasaray are also heading the Super Lig table on goal difference with rivals Istanbul Basaksehir tied at the top with 66 points.
With two games of the season remaining - and possessing an eight goal swing - Onyekuru could return to Merseyside with two trophies as well as already firing home 15 goals in all competitions this term.
CLICK HERE for Henry Onyekuru's explanation of how close he came to joining French champions PSG
Albeit glory in Turkey has no baring on his quest for a work permit, there is a boost for both the Nigerian forward and Everton in this summer's African Cup of Nations.
The three-time African champions are in Group B along with Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar and appearances for his national side can support his chances of playing in the Premier League next term.
Onyekuru had received just two caps for Nigeria when he signed for Everton in 2017 but has since amassed five more plus scoring his first international goal against the Seychelles in March.
Nigeria's current FIFA ranking of 37th means the 21-year-old would have to appear in 75% of their matches across two years to receive an automatic work permit.
The ECHO also learned in February that Everton are growing increasingly hopeful they will have a robust case to present to the FA in order to get the green light to to use the striker next season.
Missing out on Nigeria's World Cup squad through injury last season was a big blow to Onyekuru's chances of gaining a work permit for this campaign. He was subsequently shipped out to Galatasaray for a fee of £1m.
