Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has made a significant step in his recovery from injury by returning to full training with Turkish giants Galatasaray, just days before the highly anticipated Istanbul derby against fierce rivals Fenerbahce.
Injury Setback and Recovery Progress
The Super Eagles striker had been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during international duty, which forced him to miss Nigeria's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against DR Congo. This injury also kept him out of Galatasaray's recent fixtures, including their 3-2 league victory over Genclerbirligi and the disappointing 1-0 Champions League defeat to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.
Galatasaray confirmed Osimhen's return through an official statement, noting that the Nigerian international participated in team training during the first segment before continuing with a specialized program under the supervision of medical staff. "Victor Osimhen worked with the team during the first part of the training and then on the field with a special program accompanied by a physiotherapist and an athletic performance specialist," the club announced.
Derby Preparation and Team Impact
Osimhen's return comes at a critical moment for Galatasaray as they prepare to face arch-rivals Fenerbahce on December 1, 2025, at Kadikoy Stadium. The timing couldn't be better for manager Okan Buruk, who has seen his team struggle in the absence of their star striker, particularly in European competition.
Visual confirmation of Osimhen's fitness came through training clips shared on Galatasaray's official Instagram page, showing the striker moving comfortably alongside teammates. Notably, Osimhen is the only previously injured player to have rejoined full team training, with Yunus Akgun and Mario Lemina among those still undergoing individual rehabilitation programs.
Proven Track Record Against Rivals
The Nigerian forward brings impressive credentials to the upcoming derby, having established himself as a key performer in previous encounters against Fenerbahce. According to Transfermarkt statistics, Osimhen has faced Fenerbahce three times during his Turkish football career, recording two victories and one draw.
His contribution in these high-pressure matches has been substantial, with two goals and one assist across those appearances. Both goals came in the dramatic 2-1 Ziraat Turkish Cup quarter-final victory, while he provided an assist during the 3-1 league triumph.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek had previously confirmed Osimhen's expected return for the derby, expressing confidence that all recovering players would be available for selection and ready to contribute to what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
The news of Osimhen's recovery will also please Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who is currently preparing to announce Nigeria's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The striker's return to fitness eliminates concerns about his availability for the continental tournament.
