Victor Osimhen’s impressive start to the 2026/27 season has been overshadowed by an injury concern after the Nigerian striker was forced off just 33 minutes into Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig clash with İstanbul Başakşehir on Friday.
Osimhen had initially provided Galatasaray with the perfect start, opening the scoring with a spectacular finish to put the visitors 1–0 ahead.
The goal further underlined the Super Eagles striker’s outstanding form since the beginning of the campaign.
Reports from Turkey indicate that the strike took his tally to six goals in the opening four league rounds, with Osimhen continuing to establish himself as Galatasaray’s main attacking threat.
However, the celebrations were short-lived.
Just minutes after finding the net, Osimhen appeared to pick up an injury and was unable to continue.
He was eventually substituted in the 33rd minute, with Barış Alper Yılmaz coming on as his replacement.
The development will be particularly worrying for Galatasaray given the timing of the injury.
The Turkish champions are preparing for a major UEFA Champions League assignment against Sporting CP next week.
Galatasaray are scheduled to travel to Portugal to face Sporting CP on September 9, making Osimhen’s fitness a major talking point ahead of the European fixture.
Osimhen has become increasingly important to Okan Buruk’s side since making his move to Galatasaray permanent. His goals and physical presence have made him a key component of the club’s domestic and European ambitions.
The immediate concern, however, will be determining the severity of the latest injury and whether the Nigerian international can recover in time for the Champions League encounter.
For Galatasaray, losing Osimhen for any significant period would represent a major setback, particularly with a demanding European schedule ahead.
Osimhen’s night therefore produced contrasting emotions — another important goal for the Nigerian, followed by an injury that could potentially threaten his participation against Sporting CP.
