- Victor Osimhen resumes training, edging closer to a return after his muscle injury
- Osimhen was injured during the 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa and missed the last two games
- The Nigerian striker missed out on the Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers against Libya
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is getting closer to a much-anticipated return to the pitch as he resumes training with Galatasaray, in a bid to be match-fit ahead of the team's fixture following the October international break.
The Nigerian star, whose explosive performances have been sorely missed, has not featured for the Turkish champions since being taken off at halftime in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa due to a muscle injury on September 28.
Earlier reports suggested a prolonged six-week recovery period, leaving fans concerned about his availability, especially for key matches. However, Osimhen promptly dismissed these claims, reassuring supporters that he was eyeing a quicker return.
In an Instagram post, the forward shared photos of himself back at the club’s training ground, working individually to regain full fitness.
While Osimhen has yet to rejoin full-team training, his progress has been steady. He has begun running on the grass and engaging in light ball drills, showing promising signs of recovery. Galatasaray is hopeful to have him back in the squad for their crucial home match against Antalyaspor at RAMS Park on October 19.
In Osimhen’s absence, Galatasaray has had to navigate two matches, securing a win and a draw. On the international front, Nigeria triumphed in their first-leg 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya in Uyo, with Kelechi Iheanacho stepping in for Osimhen after the Super Eagles star was excluded from the squad due to his injury.
As Osimhen continues his recovery, he has not only focused on his personal rehabilitation but also taken time to support his fellow Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, who has struggled to find the net for the national team.
Boniface, who debuted for Nigeria in September 2023, has yet to score in a competitive fixture. After another goalless performance against Libya, Osimhen offered words of encouragement to his compatriot, stating,
“No shaking, my guy. It will come, and when it does, it won’t stop.”
Osimhen becomes most-followed Nigerian footballer on IG, here are the 9 most followed after him
Previously, TheRadar reported that Osimhen’s growing social media presence can be attributed to his electrifying performances for his new club, especially his assist run in his last three games.
After his record-setting loan move to Galatasaray, Osimhen’s follower count surged dramatically, proving his growing popularity among fans around the world. Within two weeks of the transfer, the 25-year-old saw his Instagram followers increase by 848,000, making him Nigeria’s leading most-followed personality in football.
