Osimhen Targets Galatasaray Return Against Kasımpaşa After International Break

Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray after the first international break of the 2026/27 season, according to reports in the Turkish media.

The Nigeria striker is reportedly targeting Galatasaray’s Süper Lig clash with Kasımpaşa on October 9 as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

Osimhen was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau but subsequently withdrew after failing to recover in time.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected. He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window,” the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, said.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s clash with Başakşehir on September 4 and has subsequently missed matches against Sporting Lisbon, Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.

His absence has opened the door for Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi to return to the Super Eagles squad for the first time in two years.

Awoniyi’s recall was confirmed on Sunday after Osimhen’s withdrawal was communicated by the team’s medical staff.

Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Rafiu Durosinmi are the other forwards available to coach Éric Chelle for the upcoming qualifiers.

Osimhen had made an impressive start to the campaign before suffering the injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his opening four appearances for Galatasaray.