Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, has reacted to Victor Osimhen’s injury during the 2026 World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria and Rwanda, www.aclsports.com reports.
The former Napoli striker started the crucial encounter for Eric Chelle’s side at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, but was clattered into by a Rwandan defender in the 28th minute. After being attended to by the medics, he returned to the pitch, but he could not continue moments later, and asked to be taken off minutes before the half-time break.
Osimhen managed to play through initial discomfort during Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Rizespor, but the setback he picked up against Rwanda is likely to sideline him for around two weeks.
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk has broken his silence on his striker’s setback, admitting that the update he received about the injury was “worrying.”
“He’s currently unfit for the match in two days. We’ll see what happens. This is devastating news for tonight,” the 51-year-old said in quotes provided by Aktifhaber.
“Osimhen clearly has some pain. He informed us. We took immediate action. If he’s not playing for the national team, we want to bring him here as soon as possible for a checkup.
“He’s currently unfit to play in the next two days. We’ll see what happens. This is devastating news for tonight. We hope it’s nothing serious. It’s an injury we’ll overcome as best we can,” the Turkish gaffer concluded.
While Osimhen is expected to return to Istanbul, the Super Eagles have already arrived in Bloemfontein ahead of the clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium on Tuesday evening.
With Osimhen’s absence, Eric Chelle will be relying on the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare – who came off the bench to score on Saturday – and Ademola Lookman for goals to get past the group leaders.
