Galatasaray flies Osimhen to Istanbul for urgent medical tests after injury blow

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen is set to arrive in Istanbul today aboard a chartered flight arranged by his club Galatasaray, following the injury that ruled him out of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Osimhen sustained the setback during Saturday’s Group C clash with Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, a match that ended in frustration despite Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 win.

Reacting swiftly, Galatasaray dispatched a private jet to bring the former Napoli star back to Turkey, where he will undergo immediate and comprehensive medical assessments to determine the severity of the injury and outline a recovery plan.

The absence of the 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year is a major blow for the Super Eagles, who face a decisive test in Bloemfontein.

Coach Finidi George is now expected to hand a starting role to in-form striker Tolu Arokodare, whose goal against Rwanda secured Nigeria’s vital three points.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, three adrift of leaders South Africa, who have 13 and require just one more victory to seal automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.