Is Victor Osimhen injured? Why Galatasaray star was substituted in Super Eagles game against Zimbabwe

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was taken off for Victor Boniface in the 87th minute of Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen appeared to be in some pain as he sat on the turf in the 86th minute of the game, holding his thigh. The medics had to rush onto the pitch to administer some treatment before he left for Boniface.

Following his exit from the game, there have been reports that the Super Eagles star might have sustained an injury and could be out of action for a significant time due to his notorious injury record.

Update:

– Victor Osimhen is not INJURED. He was just very tired. He should be arriving in Galatasaray today to be checked ahead of Galatasaray weekend game against Besiktas. https://t.co/TOISfvFMGe

— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) March 26, 2025

But according to Buchi Laba, Osimhen was only substituted due to tiredness. Also, he appeared to be walking freely after the game. Nonetheless, he will still be evaluated at Galatasaray to ascertain if he is fit to play in their Turkish Super Lig game against Besiktas this weekend.

Galatasaray banking on Victor Osimhen for Super Lig home stretch

Galatasaray are targeting a third-straight Turkish Super Lig title. They currently sit at the summit of the table with a nine-point gap between them and Fenerbahce, who have a game in hand.

Osimhen has been talismanic for them this season as he leads the Super Lig with 20 goals. With Mauro Icardi injured and Alvaro Morata still struggling to find his feet at the club, Galatasaray will be banking on Osimhen to produce the goods in front of goal.

He has proven to be a consistent goalscorer, and he would likely deliver. Of course, he will be propelled by the prospect of winning the second major title of his career.