Galatasaray confirm Osimhen suffered moderate ankle ligament damage in WCQ against Rwanda

Through the official website, Turkish giants Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen suffered a moderate ankle sprain while on international duty with the Super Eagles. 

Osimhen, who completed a permanent move to the Yellow-Reds from Napoli this summer, was forced off in the first half of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday after a heavy challenge.

He was replaced by Cyriel Dessers and subsequently ruled out of the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old had returned to Istanbul for further assessment of the injury.

In a statement on Tuesday, Galatasaray’s team doctor, Op. Dr. Yener İnce, revealed that examinations carried out at the club’s sponsor hospital showed stretching and bleeding in the striker’s ankle ligaments.

"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," the statement read.

He further stated that treatment has already commenced to ensure the Nigerian international returns to action as quickly as possible.

"And the necessary treatment has been initiated in order for our football player to return to the field as soon as possible."

Osimhen’s absence is a major blow to both Nigeria and Galatasaray.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will rely on Dessers and Tolu Arokodare to lead the line in Bloemfontein as Nigeria look to maintain their push for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Galatasaray, the striker’s injury comes at a crucial time, with the Turkish champions balancing their Super Lig campaign and the upcoming return of the UEFA Champions League.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com