Victor Osimhen scored the opening goal in Galatasaray's Istanbul derby against Istanbul Basaksehir but was forced off with a groin injury in the second half, casting serious doubt over his availability for Nigeria's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Super Eagles striker gave Galatasaray the lead with a goal in the 16th minute, but his afternoon took a painful turn when he gestured to the bench in the second half that he was unable to continue. He was subsequently withdrawn from the match, cutting short what had started as a promising performance.
Blow for Nigeria at a Critical Time
The timing of the injury could not be worse for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Nigeria are set to return to AFCON qualifying action later this month, and Osimhen is central to the team's attacking plans. Losing him, even temporarily, would be a significant setback for a side that relies heavily on his ability to lead the line.
Osimhen has been in solid form for Galatasaray this season, and his goal against Basaksehir was another reminder of the threat he poses. However, the manner in which he left the pitch will have those tracking his fitness on edge.
Galatasaray Manager to Address Injury
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk is expected to address the severity of the injury at his post-match press conference. His comments will be closely watched by both club and country, as the full extent of the damage remains unclear at this stage.
Should Buruk confirm that Osimhen faces a spell on the sidelines, Chelle will need to reassess his options ahead of the qualifiers. Nigeria's campaign for a place at the 2027 tournament on home soil adds extra weight to every squad update between now and the fixtures.
The injury occurred during a high-stakes derby, and the immediate focus will be on the medical assessment. For Nigeria, the next few days will be crucial in determining whether Osimhen can feature in the upcoming qualifiers, with the national team's preparations likely to be adjusted based on the outcome.
