Victor Osimhen Makes Galatasaray Squad to Face Alanyaspor As He Nears Injury Return
- Victor Osimhen has been included in Galatasaray's squad to face Alanyaspor in the Turkish Super League
- The striker returns to the squad for the first time since his injury during Nigeria's 1-0 win over Rwanda
- Another international break is around the corner next month, with crucial matches for the Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen is nearing his return from injury after he was named in Galatasaray's travelling squad to face Alanyaspor on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Osimhen has been out of action since injuring his ankle during Nigeria's 1-0 win over Rwanda after a reckless challenge from defender Claude Niyomugabo.
Source: Twitter
The striker flew to Istanbul for further assessment and treatment despite the NFF wanting him to be on the plane to Bloemfontein, where the team faced South Africa.
Galatasaray confirmed he suffered a moderate sprain with bleeding in his ankle, but did not specify a return date from the injury, as it will depend on his recovery.
He has missed the 2-0 win over Eyupspor and the 3-1 win over Konyaspor in the league, and also the 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League.
Galatasaray name Osimhen in squad to face Alanyaspor
As confirmed by the club's official website, Victor Osimhen is nearing his return to action as he was included in the squad that arrived in Alanya on Thursday.
He participated in full team training at the Florya Oktay Metin facilities in Istanbul before joining his teammates on a flight for the match tomorrow.
According to Milliyet, he is expected to be in the matchday squad, but will not start, and he will probably get a few minutes off the bench.
The target is for the striker to regain full fitness for the Champions League match against Liverpool and the Istanbul derby against Besiktas before the international break.
Okan Buruk is not the only manager who would be delighted to see Osimhen return to action; Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle would also be a happy man.
Source: Twitter
Nigeria faces crucial matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho and Benin Republic as their qualification hopes hang in the balance.
Osimhen’s presence will be a big boost for Nigeria, with some fans claiming the team could have defeated South Africa if he had featured in the match in Bloemfontein.
The team, since Eric Chelle took over, has scored five goals in four qualifying games, and the Galatasaray forward has scored three of them, showing his importance to the team.
The former Napoli forward will be named in Eric Chelle's squad for next month's final two qualifiers matches if he comes through the matches against Liverpool and Besiktas for Galatasaray unscathed.
Galatasaray fans attack Rwandan defender
Legit.ng previously reported that Galatasaray fans targeted Rwandan defender Claude Niyomugabo after his reckless challenge injured Victor Osimhen.
The Turkish fans sent messages to Niyomugabo in Instagram comments, but the defender received cover from Rwandans and Fenerbahce fans.
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Source: Legit.ng
