“Bring Him Here”: Galatasaray Coach Urges NFF, Super Eagles After Osimhen Suffers Serious Injury
- Victor Osimhen has officially been ruled out of Nigeria’s make-or-break World Cup qualifier against South Africa
- Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has called on NFF to send the 26-year-old striker back to Turkey for medical checks
- Eric Chelle faces a major attacking headache with Osimhen out, as Tolu Arokodare is expected to step up
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has suffered a heavy blow after star striker Victor Osimhen picked up an injury during the 1-0 win against Rwanda in Uyo.
The 26-year-old thought he had given the Super Eagles an early lead when he scored in the 10th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Source: Twitter
Minutes later, Osimhen’s night came crashing down after a harsh collision with a Rwandan defender left him struggling.
Despite receiving treatment from the medical team, the Galatasaray forward tried to play on.
Osimhen’s frustration boiled over when he eventually pulled up in pain, tore off his protective mask, and demanded to be substituted in the 35th minute, Soccernet reports.
Cyriel Dessers replaced him, but the damage had already been done, and Nigeria’s medical staff later confirmed Osimhen had suffered a shin bruise that ruled him out of the upcoming clash against South Africa.
Galatasaray coach wants Osimhen back in Turkey
The injury has sparked concern beyond Nigeria’s camp as Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk expressed disappointment after the match, admitting the club wants Osimhen back immediately for further medical checks, Daily Post reports.
“If possible, we want to bring him [Osimhen] here as soon as possible and have him checked,” Buruk said.
“It will be clearer tomorrow, he is in pain. He will not be able to play in the match in two days [against South Africa]. We will see how he is. It was a shame for us.”
Buruk’s comments underline Galatasaray’s worries about their star striker, who only recently recovered from other fitness problems earlier this year.
Source: Twitter
Losing Osimhen for a long period would be a major setback for the Turkish champions, especially as they prepare for key domestic fixtures and the UEFA Champions League.
Super Eagles forced to rejig attack
Osimhen’s absence leaves Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle with limited options as the three-time African champions travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles desperately need a result to close the gap on Bafana Bafana, who sit comfortably at the top of Group C with 16 points.
Tolu Arokodare is now in pole position to lead the line after his promising displays, while Cyriel Dessers remains another option up front.
But the task is daunting because Nigeria will have to outscore South Africa on their home soil without their most reliable goal scorer.
Fans will be hoping Osimhen’s injury is not as serious as feared and that he returns soon.
Ex-Galatasaray star sends message to Osimhen
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Galatasaray legend Felipe Melo is worried about the injury Victor Osimhen sustained during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In a post on X, the Brazilian legend urged the AFCON silver medallist not to get hurt while playing for his country.
Source: Legit.ng
