Osimhen faces spell out as ankle sprain treatment begins

Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has suffered an ankle sprain, following an injury sustained while playing for the Super Eagles in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Osimhen was forced off midway through the first half in Uyo after a challenge from Rwanda’s Claude Niyomugabo, ruling him […]

Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has suffered an ankle sprain, following an injury sustained while playing for the Super Eagles in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Osimhen was forced off midway through the first half in Uyo after a challenge from Rwanda’s Claude Niyomugabo, ruling him out of Nigeria’s second qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Initial medical checks by the Super Eagles doctors suggested a less severe problem. “Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his shin. He woke up this morning (Sunday) with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, wrote in a statement.

The striker has since returned to Turkey, where Galatasaray’s medical team carried out further examinations. Team doctor Dr. Yener Slim revealed a more serious diagnosis.

“In the examinations conducted today (Tuesday) on our football A team player Victor Osimhen in our hospital, a moderate level of sprain (tension and bleeding) was detected in the ankle ligaments and the necessary treatment was started to return to the field as soon as possible,” Slim said in a statement posted on the club’s website.

Osimhen was replaced by Cyriel Dessers during the Rwanda game, though the Belgium-born forward struggled to make an impact. Instead, substitute Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score in the 51st minute, sealing Nigeria’s victory and keeping their qualification hopes alive.

It remains uncertain whether Osimhen will recover in time for Galatasaray’s upcoming league match against Eyüpspor on Saturday.

The 24-year-old striker joined Galatasaray permanently this summer after a successful loan spell from Napoli, completing a €75m move that made him the club’s record signing. He has already scored two goals in three league games this season, helping his side to the top of the table with 12 points.