Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen featured for Turkish champions Galatasaray in their 2-0 preseason defeat to Italian side Monza on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Cimbom have already begun preparations for the 2026-27 season as they look to defend their Super Lig title for a fifth straight campaign after winning the last four league crowns and are also hoping to make a stronger impact in European competitions this season.
Galatasaray opened their preseason with an impressive 5-1 victory over Umraniyespor, but they suffered their first setback against Monza. Andrea Carboni opened the scoring in the first half before Patrick Cutrone added a second after the break to hand the Italian side the win.
There was plenty of surprise before kick-off when Osimhen was named among the substitutes instead of starting the match. His absence from the starting lineup immediately sparked questions about his fitness and speculation over his future at the club.
The Nigerian striker was introduced in the second half with Galatasaray already trailing, but he was unable to inspire a comeback as the Turkish champions fell to defeat.
Why Osimhen started against Monza on the bench
According to reports from Turkey, Osimhen's place on the bench was purely a technical decision and had nothing to do with an injury or uncertainty surrounding his future.
The coaching staff simply wanted to experiment and give opportunities to other players before the competitive campaign begins.
The Super Eagles star’s future has been one of the major talking points this summer and he has continued to attract interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs ahead of the new season.
Spanish side Atletico Madrid reportedly had an offer rejected, while the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 27-year-old at different stages of the summer transfer window as they search for attacking reinforcements.
Despite the speculation, Osimhen has repeatedly made it clear that he does not want to leave Galatasaray. The Turkish champions have also maintained a firm stance that they are not willing to sell their most prized asset.
With the reason behind his place on the bench now explained, focus can shift to the club’s remaining matches of the preseason.
Osimhen will now hope to get more minutes when Galatasaray face newly promoted Serie A side Venezia, who recently completed a club record move to sign fellow Nigerian striker Akor Adams from Sevilla, in their next preseason match on Monday.
