Aleksey Batrakov yet to speak with Galatasaray teammate Victor Osimhen ahead of Russia-Nigeria showdown

Galatasaray midfielder Aleksey Batrakov says he is yet to speak with Victor Osimhen since joining the Turkish giants, with the Nigeria striker currently training separately as he recovers from injury.

Batrakov has disclosed that he is yet to have a conversation with Galatasaray teammate Victor Osimhen ahead of Russia’s highly anticipated friendly against Nigeria next month.

The Russia international joined Galatasaray in August but has had little opportunity to interact with Osimhen, who is currently following an individual training programme while recovering from a groin strain.

The two are expected to share the same international stage when Russia face the Super Eagles on October 6 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, although Osimhen’s participation remains increasingly doubtful.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk yet. He [Victor Osimhen] is training on an individual program, so maybe later,” Batrakov was quoted as saying by Championat.

Osimhen’s fitness has become a major concern for Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, with the striker also facing a race against time to feature in the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the new Turkish Super Lig campaign, scoring in four consecutive league matches before his injury setback.

His potential absence would leave Nigeria without one of their most important attacking threats for a fixture that has generated considerable interest following the teams’ previous meeting.

Russia and Nigeria renew rivalry

Russia will meet the three-time African champions for the second time in 16 months after the sides played out a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June.

Nigeria took the lead through Tolu Arokodare in that encounter after Semi Ajayi had earlier put the ball into his own net, with neither side able to find a winner.

Osimhen was absent from that match after being excused from the squad by Chelle following a demanding season with Galatasaray.

The upcoming encounter will therefore provide another opportunity for the two nations to test themselves against high-level opposition, although Nigeria’s preparations could be affected if their star forward fails to recover in time.

Batrakov focused on Galatasaray

While the Russia-Nigeria fixture looms on the horizon, Batrakov insists his immediate attention remains firmly on establishing himself at Galatasaray following his summer transfer.

The midfielder admitted that adapting to his new surroundings has been his priority, with every training session and match presenting another opportunity to prove his value.

“Honestly, I’m here only in my head for now. Because every training session is something new for me, and every game even more so,” he said.

“For now, my head is here, and I have to help Galatasaray and justify my transfer.”

Batrakov added: “That’s why I’m trying hard in every training session, in every game.”

His immediate focus on club football means his first conversation with Osimhen may have to wait, even as their potential meeting in Russia draws closer.