Super Eagles, Galatasaray receive huge Osimhen boost ahead of Barcelona clash

Victor Osimhen is closing in on a return from injury, giving Galatasaray hope that their star striker will face Barcelona in the Champions League next month, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international suffered a right adductor injury during Galatasaray's 3-2 win at İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. Osimhen scored in the 16th minute before leaving the pitch in the 33rd minute after feeling discomfort. Galatasaray later confirmed a strain and bleeding in the right groin area.

Haberler reports that Osimhen is expected to recover in time for Galatasaray's Champions League meeting with Barcelona on October 13. He missed the 3-1 defeat by Sporting CP in the opening league-phase match.

The projected comeback is also important to Nigeria, although it will not come soon enough for the Super Eagles' opening AFCON qualifiers. Nigeria face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Osimhen's return could change two major games

Galatasaray need their Super Eagles import badly against Barcelona. The Turkish champions lost 3-1 to Sporting after the Nigerian's injury kept him out, while Barcelona opened their campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Pedri all give the Spanish side major attacking quality.

Osimhen's ability to run behind defenders, hold off centre-backs and attack crosses would give the hosts a different attacking threat against Hansi Flick's side.

Nigeria, meanwhile, must cope without their first-choice striker when Eric Chelle begins the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.

His absence puts greater pressure on Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho and the other attacking options available to Chelle. Nigeria's Group L opponents are Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, with Tanzania already guaranteed a place as one of the tournament hosts.

Osimhen's expected October return therefore offers Nigeria a longer-term boost. If his recovery stays on track, Chelle could have his leading striker back for the next international window after the AFCON opening round.