Osimhen Begins Treatment for Ankle Sprain

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has begun treatment for an ankle sprain after sustaining an injury while on international duty for Nigeria, during the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to PUNCH Sports Extra, Osimhen was substituted midway through the first half of Saturday’s encounter in Uyo after a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo. The injury ruled him out of Nigeria’s second crucial qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Initial examinations by the Super Eagles’ medical team indicated a shin bruise. Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, said:

“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his shin. He woke up this morning (Sunday) with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game.”

The 25-year-old has since returned to Turkey, where Galatasaray carried out further assessments. Team doctor Dr. Yener Slim explained the outcome of the scans:

“In the examinations conducted today (Tuesday) on our football A team player Victor Osimhen in our hospital, a moderate level of sprain (tension and bleeding) was detected in the ankle ligaments and the necessary treatment was started to return to the field as soon as possible.”

On Saturday, Osimhen was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, though the Belgium-born forward offered little attacking threat. Second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.

It remains uncertain whether Osimhen will recover in time for Galatasaray’s upcoming league clash against Eyüpspor on Saturday.

The striker recently completed a €75m permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray, following a successful loan spell last season. He has already netted two goals in three league matches this season, helping Galatasaray maintain top spot in the Turkish Super Lig with 12 points.