Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray after the first international break of the 2026/27 season. According to reports from the Turkish media, Osimhen will rejoin the squad for Galatasaray's Süper Lig meeting with Kasımpaşa on October 9 as he continues his recovery from injury. The former African Footballer of the Year had been sidelined since picking up a muscle strain during Galatasaray's clash with Başakşehir on September 4.
Osimhen was initially named in the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. However, his withdrawal was confirmed two days later due to a slower-than-expected recovery from the muscle strain. A statement from the team's media officer, Promise Efoghe, explained that Osimhen's inclusion in Nigeria's squad was based on hopes that he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window.
In Osimhen's absence, Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi will return to the Super Eagles for the first time in two years. Awoniyi's inclusion was announced on Sunday after Osimhen's withdrawal was confirmed by the team doctors. Other strikers in line to feature in the Super Eagles attack are Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Rafiu Durosinmi, who have all been making strong cases with their respective club form.
Before his injury, Osimhen was in blistering form, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his opening four matches of the campaign. His absence was deeply felt by Galatasaray, who missed him in matches against Sporting Lisbon, Kocaelispor, and Trabzonspor. The Turkish club will be eager to have him back on the pitch as soon as possible.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team has been preparing for the matches, with 17 players, including Iwobi, Lookman, and Bassey, arriving at the camp. Arokodare has given a fitness update ahead of the Madagascar clash, expressing confidence in his readiness to contribute to the team.
Osimhen's recovery has been closely monitored by both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew. The striker's fitness will be crucial for both his club and country in the coming weeks. With the international break providing an opportunity for him to regain full fitness, Osimhen's return to action is expected to be a significant boost to Galatasaray's title hopes.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be an important test for the Super Eagles, who will be looking to secure a spot in the tournament. With Osimhen's return to action imminent, the team will be boosted by his presence, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his performance in the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Victor Osimhen is expected to return to Galatasaray action after the international break.
- Osimhen was initially named in the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but was later withdrawn due to injury.
- Taiwo Awoniyi will return to the Super Eagles for the first time in two years in Osimhen's absence.
