Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen made his long-awaited return from injury on Friday night as Galatasaray edged Alanyaspor 1-0 in their Turkish Super Lig clash.
The Super Eagles forward came off the bench in the 85th minute, with coach Okan Buruk easing him back into action ahead of Tuesday’s crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
Osimhen had been sidelined for three matches after picking up an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on September 6 in Uyo. His absence left a major gap in Galatasaray’s attack, forcing the champions to cope without one of their most influential players.
On the night, Mauro Icardi’s 23rd-minute strike proved decisive at the GAİN Park Stadyumu, maintaining Galatasaray’s perfect start to the league season. The Yellow and Reds sit top of the table with 19 points from seven matches, unbeaten and opening daylight between themselves and their rivals.
The 26-year-old’s injury had ruled him out of key fixtures, including Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa and Galatasaray’s meetings with Konyaspor, Eyüpspor, and Eintracht Frankfurt. What initially seemed like a minor knock quickly proved more serious, sidelining the forward until his return this weekend.
Coach Buruk had expressed cautious optimism earlier in the week, revealing Osimhen was still managing slight discomfort but had successfully resumed full training. The medical staff’s patient approach paid off, with the striker cleared to feature against Alanyaspor.
Osimhen, who sealed a permanent move from Napoli in the summer following a successful loan spell, had already netted twice in three league appearances before his setback. His pace, power, and finishing ability have given Galatasaray a cutting edge, while his budding partnership with Icardi has shown strong potential.
Although Galatasaray sustained their momentum during his absence, Osimhen’s return provides a huge boost ahead of their European campaign, where his presence will be crucial against top-level opposition.
