Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has assured that Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen will return from injury within two weeks, in time to represent Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Özbek delivered the most definitive update yet on Osimhen’s condition after the striker suffered an injury setback while on international duty during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo.
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The 26-year-old was forced off in the first half and later underwent an MRI in Istanbul, which revealed a mild tear in his left posterior muscle accompanied by internal bleeding.
Despite initial worries, Galatasaray’s medical team remains optimistic, and the club president confirmed that Osimhen is already on an accelerated rehabilitation plan.
“His MRI was performed here,” Özbek told Hurriyet. “He’ll likely have a recovery period of approximately two weeks. Our focus is on Osimhen being ready for the Fenerbahçe match. Our doctors are working on that.”
The Nigerian forward—Galatasaray’s record signing—will miss the upcoming league match against Gençlerbirliği and the Champions League tie against Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise.
The club is instead targeting his return for the high-stakes December 1 derby against Fenerbahçe, a clash that often influences the trajectory of the Turkish title race.
While the Turkish champions eye his comeback for club duties, Osimhen’s recovery is equally significant for Nigeria, with AFCON 2025 kicking off on December 21 in Morocco.
Earlier concerns that the injury might threaten his participation have now eased, as scans confirmed only a moderate muscle strain.
If his rehabilitation progresses on schedule, Osimhen will be available to lead Nigeria’s frontline when the Super Eagles face Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in the group stage of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
His return would be a major boost for Nigeria’s ambitions in Morocco, where the three-time African champions aim to reclaim continental glory.
