Galatasaray’s request to keep injured Victor Osimhen out of Nigeria duty rejected

Galatasaray have suffered a setback after the Nigeria Football Federation rejected their formal request to release injured striker Victor Osimhen from international duty.

The Turkish club had hoped Osimhen would be allowed to rest during the next international break and return fully fit afterwards. However, the decision leaves Galatasaray facing the possibility of being without their main forward for longer.

The immediate concern comes ahead of Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig meeting with Trabzonspor at Papara Park. The fixture is one of the standout matches of the sixth round and pits two traditional rivals against each other.

Trabzonspor are ninth in the table with seven points and will be looking to regain their balance in front of their home supporters. Galatasaray arrive as leaders with 13 points, aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the division.

Osimhen has been out for two weeks after suffering an injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in the fourth round of the Turkish Super Lig. The Nigeria international was forced off in the 33rd minute and was diagnosed with a muscle strain and pain in his right thigh.

His availability for tomorrow’s important match against Trabzonspor remains uncertain.

According to Turkish website Fanatik on Friday, Galatasaray contacted the Nigeria Football Federation regarding Osimhen’s condition and asked that he not be called up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

The request was rejected because Nigeria are preparing for two crucial qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The federation is determined to have Osimhen available for the matches despite his injury.

That decision has placed Galatasaray in a difficult position. The club had sought to ensure its leading striker received a complete period of recovery, but he is now expected to remain in contention for international selection.

Galatasaray are concerned that travelling to join Nigeria and potentially taking part in the qualifiers could extend Osimhen’s absence or aggravate his injury. The striker’s fitness will therefore remain a key issue for both the Turkish club and the Nigeria national team over the coming period.