Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen is expected to spend around three weeks on the sidelines after Galatasaray confirmed a significant groin injury sustained in Friday’s Turkish Süper Lig victory over İstanbul Başakşehir.
Osimhen was forced off in the 33rd minute of Galatasaray’s 3-2 win after experiencing discomfort in his groin, having earlier produced a spectacular opening goal.
Following MRI and further examinations at Acıbadem Hospital, Galatasaray confirmed that the 27-year-old striker suffered an advanced-moderate strain involving the right adductor muscle group, accompanied by bleeding and muscle damage.
Although Galatasaray’s official medical statement did not initially specify a recovery period, reports from Turkish indicate that Osimhen is expected to be unavailable for approximately three weeks.
Major concern for Nigeria
The timing represents a significant concern for the Super Eagles, with Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign approaching.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before meeting Guinea-Bissau four days later, placing Osimhen’s potential return right on the edge of the international window.
His availability will therefore depend not only on the three-week estimate but also on how he responds to rehabilitation and whether Galatasaray and Nigeria’s medical teams consider him sufficiently fit to return.
Another setback after a spectacular start
Osimhen’s injury is particularly frustrating because he had just marked his return to the Galatasaray starting XI with another important contribution.
He opened the scoring against Başakşehir with a spectacular strike before being forced out of the contest. Galatasaray eventually secured a 3-2 victory.
The injury also comes as Galatasaray prepare for their Champions League campaign, increasing the significance of his absence for both club and country.
For Nigeria, the priority will now be ensuring that its most important attacking weapon makes a complete recovery rather than rushing him back and risking a longer layoff.