Victor Osimhen ruled out of Galatasaray’s Champions League opener

09.09.26 15:00 Champions League

Sporting CP

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Galatasaray

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Victor Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s first Champions League match of the season. The Nigerian striker is suffering from a right adductor injury and is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, according to the diagnosis announced by his club.

Galatasaray said examinations carried out after Friday’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir revealed a moderate-to-advanced injury to Osimhen’s right adductor, involving bleeding and a strain. Osimhen will therefore miss Galatasaray’s trip to Sporting CP on Wednesday, September 9, in the opening match of the Champions League league phase.

The injury comes at a time when the Nigerian forward had made an impressive start to the season. He has scored six goals in four Süper Lig appearances, along with two assists. On Friday, he opened the scoring against İstanbul Başakşehir in the 16th minute.

However, his match ended prematurely. After feeling pain in his adductor, Osimhen asked to come off and was replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 33rd minute. Galatasaray eventually secured a 3-2 victory thanks to a late goal from Gabriel Sara.

Read also : Galatasaray : Inquiétudes croissantes concernant Victor Osimhen avant le choc sportif

An absence that also concerns Nigeria

Osimhen’s injury could also have consequences for the Nigerian national team. His expected recovery period coincides with Nigeria’s next two fixtures in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later. If the projected recovery timeline is maintained, Osimhen is expected to miss both games.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle could also be without Paul Onuachu, with the Trabzonspor striker having picked up an injury during Sunday’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği.

Two goals away from Yekini’s record

The injury also slows Osimhen’s pursuit of Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer. Osimhen has scored 35 goals for the Super Eagles and is now just two goals away from Yekini’s record of 37 international goals, scored between 1984 and 1998.

However, Osimhen is expected to return in time for Galatasaray’s next Champions League fixture. The Turkish champions are due to host Barcelona in Istanbul on October 13 in the second matchday of the league phase.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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