Galatasaray have confirmed the nature of the injury sustained by Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
The 26-year-old striker was forced off in the first half with a “shin injury” and was replaced by Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers in the 35th minute at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Osimhen missed the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday, having returned to Turkey to undergo a scan on his foot.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, revealed that the former Napoli man has suffered an ankle ligament damage. While the Istanbul club added that the Nigeria international has begun treatment, a date for his return has not been set.
A statement from the Turkish champions said: “In the examinations performed today at our sponsor hospital for our Football A Team player Victor Osimhen, a moderate sprain (stretching and bleeding) was detected in his ankle ligaments and the necessary treatment has been initiated in order for our football player to return to the field as soon as possible.”
Following Tuesday’s draw, Nigeria remain six points behind South Africa with just two matches left. The Super Eales are in danger of missing out on their second consecutive World Cup finals.
Osimhen, who has scored three goals in the qualifiers, have missed five games in the campaign, including high-profile matches against Zimbabwe, Benin and South Africa. He has scored two goals in his first three games since returning to Galatasaray on a permanent deal and his extended absence comes at a critical point for the club.
Okan Buruk’s side are away at Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig this Saturday and will begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt on 18 September.
