Galatasaray’s team doctor, Dr Yener Slim, has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen suffered an ankle sprain while on international duty in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles forward was forced off midway through the first half in Uyo after a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo, ruling him out of Tuesday’s crucial clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Initial assessments from Nigeria’s medical staff suggested the injury was only a shin bruise. “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 said.
Osimhen has since returned to Turkey, where Galatasaray carried out further examinations. “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,” Dr Slim explained in a statement published on the club’s website.
Osimhen was replaced by Cyriel Dessers against Rwanda, but the Belgian-born striker struggled to make an impact. It was second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare who secured Nigeria’s victory with a 51st-minute strike, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
The extent of Osimhen’s recovery remains uncertain, with doubts over his availability for Galatasaray’s weekend league clash against Eyüpspor.
After a stellar loan spell last season, the forward sealed a permanent move from Napoli this summer in a €75m transfer. He has already netted twice in three league appearances, helping Galatasaray top the table with 12 points.
