Osimhen begins ankle sprain treatment

Galatasaray team doctor Dr Yener Slim has said Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen suffered an ankle sprain while on international duty for Nigeria on Saturday during the 1-0 win over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup.

Osimhen was substituted midway through the first half of Saturday’s encounter in Uyo, after a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo, ruling him out of the second crucial game against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Initial examinations by the Super Eagles doctors said the striker suffered a bruise on his shin.

“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his shin. He woke up this morning (Sunday) with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe wrote.

The player has since returned to Turkey, and Galatasaray have also conducted further tests on their record signing.

“In the examinations conducted today (Tuesday) on our football A team player Victor Osimhen in our hospital, a moderate level of sprain (tension and bleeding) was detected in the ankle ligaments and the necessary treatment was started to return to the field as soon as possible,” the team doctor, Slim said in a statement posted via the club’s website

On Saturday, he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, but the Belgium-born forward didn’t provide much threat for the Rwandans like Osimhen.

Second half substitute Tolu Arokodare, made the difference with his 51st minute strike to keep Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

It, however, remains to be seen if the player will be fit for their league game against Eyüpspor on Saturday.

After a successful loan spell last season, Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli this summer in a €75m deal.

He has two goals in three league games this season as his team top the table with 12 points.