Victor Osimhen is expected to return to Galatasaray training on Monday after the Super Eagles striker’s exploits for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, the Galatasaray forward's fitness and readiness for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid has become the subject of intense debate.
This is after the former Napoli striker was seen partying in Lagos just hours after Nigeria’s triumph over Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff.
Osimhen, who had been impressive for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, did not feature in Saturday’s third-place match against Egypt, which Nigeria won 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in Casablanca.
Still, Osimhen’s month in Morocco was productive. He played five matches for Nigeria at the tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists as the Super Eagles finished third.
Galatasaray fans would have been salivating at the prospects of the club welcoming the in-form forward to Istanbul and unleashing him against their next Spanish opponents.
Instead, the 27-year-old was spotted leaving the Stade Mohammed V with his bags and later appeared in videos from a Lagos nightclub alongside Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Chidozie Awaziem.
In the early hours of Sunday, social media personality Babatunde Akinpelu, popularly known as Tunde Perry, shared a video from a Lagos club featuring Osimhen, with Ndidi and Awaziem visible in the background.
Perry wrote: “Kai from Morocco Victor,” and added, “Otorpinpin paaaaaa DATieeeee Mo”, and later said, “8am on Sunday, on my birthday.” The outing was reportedly part of Perry’s birthday celebration, and Victor Osimhen was given a ceremonious welcome at the venue.
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However, the decision to fly to Nigeria before returning to Istanbul has sharply divided Galatasaray supporters. Some argue the striker has earned the right to celebrate after a demanding international tournament. Others believe the timing, so close to a decisive European match, is careless and unprofessional.
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Can Victor Osimhen be fit for Galatasaray’s crucial Champions League clash?
While some fans may be unsettled by Osimhen’s actions on Sunday, the Super Eagles vice-captain had the permission of Galatasaray to return to Istanbul on Monday.
Osimhen is carrying a knock sustained during the final minutes of Nigeria’s semifinal defeat to Morocco on Wednesday.
The same injury forced him to sit out the Super Eagles' meeting with Egypt on Saturday, which he communicated to Galatasaray’s technical staff.
The 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year has vowed to make himself available for Galatasaray should it be ‘absolutely necessary' to feature against Atletico Madrid.
That decision will, however, be made only when he returns to Turkey and checked by Galatasaray’s medical team.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk confirmed this much on Saturday, January 17, saying:
“We spoke with Osimhen today (January 17). He had pain when he came off in the last match (vs Morocco). He said he wouldn't play in the third-place match, but that he could be used if absolutely necessary. He will be with us at training on Monday.”
The Turkish champions are due to face Atletico Madrid in a decisive Champions League fixture on Wednesday, January 21, and Osimhen is expected to feature, provided he comes through training without any setbacks.
Galatasaray’s coaching staff will monitor him closely in training in the coming hours. The plan, according to club sources, is for Osimhen to start against Atletico if there are no medical issues.
