Victor Osimhen: Super Eagles star ruled out of Galatasaray’s Turkish Cup clash

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Galatasaray’s upcoming Turkish Cup tie against Alanyaspor on Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Galatasaray defeated Alanyaspor 3-1 last weekend, and they are set to renew hostilities with the Antalya-based side this Tuesday in the cup competition.

This is a high-stakes, top-of-the-table clash; the Cimbom currently sit at the summit of their eight-team group with a perfect nine points from three games, while Alanyaspor sit in second place with seven points from their opening three fixtures.

​It promises to be a tough match, as both sides are expected to push for victory.

When they met over the weekend, Alanyaspor gave a good account of themselves, though they ultimately fell to a more talented Galatasaray side.

​However, Alanyaspor may now have a golden opportunity to get one over on the Istanbul giants at Rams Park. This is because the reigning Turkish champions will be without several of their key players for the fixture.

Stars such as Uğurcan Çakır, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Victor Osimhen, Mario Lemina, Roland Sallai, Yunus Akgün, and Mauro Icardi have all been excluded from the matchday squad. Consequently, a significantly weakened side will take the field against Alanyaspor.

​Why Victor Osimhen Will Miss the Turkish Cup Fixture Against Alanyaspor

​According to an official release by the club: “Uğurcan Çakır, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Victor Osimhen, and Mario Lemina have been placed on individualized programs for active recovery.”

Our traveling squad for C. Alanyaspor away fixture in Turkish Cup.

📌 Uğurcan Çakır, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Victor Osimhen, and Mario Lemina have been placed on individualized programs for active recovery and will not be included in the matchday squad.… pic.twitter.com/MrrrajbYfc

— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) March 2, 2026

​Essentially, the club is giving these players a rest due to a hectic fixture schedule. Galatasaray can afford this rotation since they currently have a points cushion and several games remaining in the Turkish Cup group stage.

​The Cimbom face a series of grueling fixtures in the coming weeks. They are scheduled to play Beşiktaş in the Süper Lig next weekend, followed by a massive Champions League showdown against Liverpool.

It is a critical point of the season, and the club needs their best players fresh and ready for these high-profile games.

​Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Osimhen is expected to return to the starting lineup for the Intercontinental Derby against the Black Eagles this weekend.