Galatasaray release OFFICIAL statement over Victor Osimhen injury

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 8 Sept 2025 14:30 BST
  • 3 min read
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen finds himself in the middle of a tug-of-war between club and country just weeks after joining the Super Lig club on a permanent basis.

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Osimhen, who already has two goals in three Super Lig outings for the Istanbul giants this season, was struck down with an ankle injury following a rash challenge as Nigeria beat Rwanda 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

He was forced off 10 minutes before the break and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers.

Current ETV
Player image Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray logo

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Galatasaray

€76.7M

ETV Range

€69.1M - €84.4M

Nigeria boss Eric Chelle said: “Osimhen experienced pain in his ankle. We’ll clarify his condition tomorrow.”

The former Napoli striker reportedly woke up with severe pain in the joint and was promptly banned from playing in Tuesday’s crunch clash with South Africa by the national team doctors.

Galatasaray injury update

Galatasaray technical director Okan Buruk said in quotes relayed by BeIn Sports: “We've reached out to Osimhen. We learned he has pain in his foot. We don't know his exact condition.

“If possible, we want to bring him here as soon as possible to get him checked out. He’s in pain. He won't be fit for the match against South Africa in two days. We'll see how he is. It was sad for us. I hope it's nothing serious. I always have concerns about him being sent to the national team, but tonight we experienced this a bit.”

Galatasaray have brought Osimhen back to Istanbul via a private jet, Fanatik reports. He will now undergo checks in the days ahead to assess the issue.

The Turkish side will be eager to have their star man back as rapidly as possible with the Champions League kicking off in 10 days with a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt – a game they will dearly hope their most expensive signing is available for.

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