Osimhen set for injury return after international break - Punch Newspapers
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. Photo: Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray after the first international break of the 2026/27 season, according to reports from the Turkish media. The former African Footballer of the Year is expected to return to the squad for Galatasaray’s Süper Lig meeting with Kasımpaşa on October 9 as he continues his recovery from injury. Osimhen was initially named in the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. However, the striker’s withdrawal was confirmed two days later. “Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected. He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window,” a statement from the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, read. The striker picked up the injury during Galatasaray’s clash with Başakşehir on September 4 and has since missed matches against Sporting Lisbon, Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor. ‘I’m back, keep crying’, Nwabali taunts critics on Super Eagles return ‘Madagascar not afraid of star-studded Nigeria’ Full house as Eagles begin training for Madagascar clash In Osimhen’s absence, Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi will return to the Super Eagles for the first time in two years. Awoniyi’s inclusion was announced on Sunday after Osimhen’s withdrawal was confirmed by the team doctors. Other strikers in line to feature in the Super Eagles attack are Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Rafiu Durosinmi, who have all been making strong cases with their respective club form. Before his injury, Osimhen was in blistering form, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his opening four matches of the campaign. Abiodun Adewale Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
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