Osimhen returns! Super Eagles, Galatasaray get welcome boost as Nigerian striker resumes training

Victor Osimhen has delivered a major lift to both Galatasaray and the Nigerian national team after returning to full training ahead of Saturday’s fiery Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe.

The Super Eagles striker had spent the last 11 days sidelined with a hamstring strain picked up during international duty, but his sharp movements and ball work in Thursday’s session suggest a timely recovery.

Osimhen sustained the injury during the final of the African World Cup qualifying play-off in Morocco, where Nigeria drew 1–1 with DR Congo before falling 4–3 on penalties.

His absence was immediately felt at club level as Galatasaray laboured through a 3–2 league win over Gençlerbirliği and suffered a narrow 1–0 Champions League loss to Union St. Gilloise.

Fresh training footage shared on Galatasaray’s X (Twitter) page shows the 26-year-old striker moving comfortably and working with the ball, raising hopes he could feature in this weekend’s high-stakes derby at Rams Park.

Club officials will decide closer to kickoff whether he starts, but even a place among the substitutes would provide a huge emotional lift for Okan Buruk’s squad as they defend their one-point lead at the top of the Super Lig.

Fenerbahçe head into the derby unbeaten in 11 matches and remain the only team yet to lose in the league this season, setting up a fierce contest between the two Turkish giants.

But Osimhen’s return is significant beyond club football. His availability is good news for the Super Eagles, with coach Eric Chelle expected to name the preliminary squad for the 2025 AFCON soon.

Before his injury, Osimhen had been in electric form for Nigeria, scoring five goals across two matches as the team saw off Gabon and Benin Republic to advance to the World Cup qualifier playoff final.

His early exit against DR Congo proved costly, contributing heavily to Nigeria’s eventual penalty heartbreak and their failure to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Now back on the training pitch, his return offers renewed optimism for both club and country at a crucial moment in their respective campaigns.