Desperate Victor Osimhen willing to risk it all for Galatasaray Champions League opener

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is pushing himself back to fitness in time for Galatasaray’s Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 26-year-old, who picked up an ankle injury while on international duty against Rwanda, is determined not to miss his first appearance on the grandest European stage in 18 months. Osimhen was flown to Istanbul immediately after the injury scare, with scans confirming a moderate ligament strain and internal bleeding. 

He has since undergone intensive treatment under Galatasaray’s medical staff and, despite some lingering pain, is keen to feature in Germany. Reports from Turkey suggest the forward is even prepared to take injections if that is what it takes to play.

Osimhen is Galatasaray’s x-Factor

His absence was evident in Galatasaray’s narrow win over Eyüpspor at the weekend. Without their talisman, the Yellow-Reds struggled to break down the visitors and managed just a single shot on target in the first half. The attack looked blunt until Barış Alper came off the bench to inject some urgency.

Since arriving in Istanbul, Osimhen has been nothing short of prolific. In 44 games for Galatasaray, he has scored 39 goals and provided eight assists, a remarkable contribution that explains why his absence is always so keenly felt. 

Last season, he fired 26 goals in 28 league matches, driving the club’s title charge and becoming the heartbeat of Okan Buruk’s forward line.

Now the Nigerian star is eager to make his mark again in Europe. His last Champions League appearance came for Napoli in March 2024, and he is desperate to light up the competition once more, this time in Galatasaray’s colours.