Why Victor Osimhen Missed Galatasaray’s 3:0 Super Lig Opener Win Over Gaziantep FK
- Victor Osimhen missed Galatasaray’s Super Lig opener due to lack of match fitness after a delayed pre-season
- Galatasaray defeated Gaziantep FK 3-0 with two goals from Barıs Alper Yılmaz and Eren Elmalı also finding the net
- The Nigerian striker is expected to be fit for next week’s match against Fatih Karagumruk
Galatasaray began their defence of the Trendyol Super Lig title with an emphatic 3-0 win over Gaziantep FK. Still, the absence of club record signing Victor Osimhen raised eyebrows among fans and pundits.
The 26-year-old forward, who set a historic scoring record last season, was not part of the matchday squad and instead watched from the stands.
Source: Getty Images
Why did Osimhen miss Galatasaray match?
Osimhen was ruled out of Galatasaray’s season opener due to match rustiness and lack of full fitness, per Western Post.
The 2023 CAF Player of the Year winner returned late for pre-season after a long transfer saga between Napoli and the Turkish champions, leaving him short on preparation time.
Despite his prolific form last season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances, the Galatasaray medical and technical teams opted not to rush him back into competitive action.
Head coach Okan Buruk confirmed after the match that Osimhen’s omission was a precautionary decision to ensure he returns in top condition.
According to The Guardian, the Nigerian international is expected to be available for selection in next week’s home clash against Fatih Karagumruk.
Galatasaray shine without missing Osimhen
Even without Osimhen in the line-up, Galatasaray produced a dominant performance at the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Stadium, beIN SPORTS reports.
Source: Getty Images
The breakthrough came early when Barıs Alper Yılmaz converted a penalty in the 12th minute after a VAR-reviewed foul on Sallai.
Four minutes later, Eren Elmalı doubled the lead, finishing off a precise through ball from Sara.
The champions continued to pile on the pressure, and deep into first-half stoppage time, Yılmaz struck again from the spot after being brought down by Bacuna.
Gaziantep’s task was made even harder in the 62nd minute when goalkeeper Mustafa Burak Bozan was sent off following a VAR review.
Galatasaray controlled the remainder of the game comfortably, sealing a convincing 3-0 victory to start their title defence on the perfect note.
When is Osimhen expected to return?
All eyes will now be on Galatasaray’s next fixture against Fatih Karagumruk, with supporters eager to see Osimhen make his competitive debut for the club this season.
His arrival from Napoli was one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, and expectations remain high for the Super Lig’s most expensive signing.
Given his record-breaking exploits last season, becoming the highest-scoring foreign player in a single Turkish league campaign, Osimhen’s return could further bolster Okan Buruk’s attack, already brimming with extra firepower from Leroy Sane.
If declared fit, his presence will add another dimension to an already lethal Galatasaray frontline.
Oliseh shares big issue with Osimhen
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that former Super Eagles captain and FIFA Technical Committee member Sunday Oliseh has shed light on the behind-the-scenes reasons why Victor Osimhen’s move to the Premier League never materialised this summer.
After months of speculation linking Osimhen to the Premier League and other top European leagues, Turkish champions Galatasaray emerged as surprise winners in the transfer race.
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Source: Legit.ng
