No cause for alarm: Galatasaray coach reveals exactly why Osimhen was substituted against Liverpool

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has explained why Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was substituted during their 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Osimhen was replaced by Mauro Icardi in the 72nd minute as the Turkish champions looked to manage their lead.

Buruk revealed that Osimhen was feeling tired and suffered a cramp in his foot but reassured fans that there was no cause for concern. 

"Osimhen was feeling tired and had a cramp in his foot, but we don't think it's anything serious. 

"There's no negative information coming in at this time,” the coach told the official website of the club.

The 26-year-old striker had earlier etched his name in history by scoring the decisive penalty in the 16th minute, sending Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker the wrong way and securing a vital win for the Turkish champions at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi.

Osimhen’s goal was historic, making him the first Nigerian to reach double figures in the UEFA Champions League.

Buruk’s clarification also eases concerns for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who will be hoping that Osimhen is fully fit as Nigeria prepare for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho later this month.

Wale Adejumo

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