Victor Osimhen’s alarming return from injury raises AFCON concerns

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Victor Osimhen’s alarming return from injury raises AFCON concerns
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Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen returned to Galatasaray’s starting lineup on Monday night, but the manner of his comeback has already raised questions about the club’s handling of their most valuable player.

The Nigeria international striker was thrust straight into the heat of the Istanbul derby barely two weeks after the hamstring injury he sustained in Morocco during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff final against DR Congo.

Osimhen had missed Galatasaray’s previous two matches, yet he was asked to lead the line from the start against Fenerbahçe. He lasted 89 minutes before Mauro Icardi took his place, producing three attempts; one on target, one off, and one blocked along with two offsides and a 9/13 passing return. 

Victor Osimhen's alarming return from injury raises AFCON concerns

This act raises the unavoidable question. Did Galatasaray really need to take that gamble? Derby or not, the risk attached to reintroducing him in such a high-tension fixture sits uncomfortably with many observers (Nigerians in particular), especially given the club’s history of leaning heavily on him whenever available.

Needless Osimhen gamble with AFCON weeks away

Galatasaray know exactly what Osimhen represents. Their Champions League campaign collapsed when he was absent; their biggest wins came when he dominated. Yet that importance is precisely why the decision looks reckless. Muscle injuries handled carelessly rarely end well, and AFCON 2025 is now less than three weeks away.

Nigeria are watching closely. Osimhen remains six goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s record, but AFCON is the one stage where he has not fully imposed himself, only scoring one goal in the last edition.

Victor Osimhen latest fitness update breathes life into Super Eagles AFCON aspirations

Added to that is the national mood: the Super Eagles reached the last AFCON final and fell short, then failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups. This team, led by Osimhen, needs a major tournament rebound, and lifting the trophy in Morocco is their clearest path to restoring belief.

The Super Eagles cannot afford a compromised Osimhen. And truthfully, neither can Galatasaray. Monday’s urgency felt unnecessary, and if it backfires, both club and country will share in the consequences.

<!-- Author Start -->Solace Chukwu<!-- Author End -->

Solace Chukwu

Editor Site Coordinator

Solace Chukwu is one of Africa's foremost football columnists, with over a decade of experience working with various media outlets including Goal, Guardian UK, Pulse Sports and NewFrame News. While football is his first love, he also follows and comments on boxing and tennis.

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