Osimhen begins solo training after injury break

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, currently sidelined due to injury, has been seen training alone as he works towards recovery.

Galatasaray released a 1.52-second video on Saturday evening showing Osimhen in a lone training session, offering a glimpse of hope for his return.

The club also shared photos earlier in the day to affirm that the 25-year-old forward is back in training, though it remains unclear whether he will feature in their next game against Antalyaspor on October 19, 2024.

A post on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account read, “Victor Osimhen worked separately from the team within the scope of a special program prepared for him.”

While fans are eager to see the striker back in action, Galatasaray has made no direct claim regarding his availability for the upcoming fixture.

Osimhen’s injury came during a dramatic 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa, where the Nigerian found the net twice in the first eight minutes, marking a return to form after a brief goal drought.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reported on October 6, that Osimhen carted home his first Turkish Super Lig award soon after joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli.

The Nigeria international’s impressive goal against Kasımpaşa has been voted the Goal of the Week by beIN SPORTS, receiving a significant number of votes and securing 77.96 per cent of the total.

His absence from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has also been a talking point, as he missed the first leg against Libya, played on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

In Osimhen’s absence, Nigeria relied on Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, who was later substituted for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi.

Despite the setback, the Super Eagles secured a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a late goal by 23-year-old Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, currently on loan at Lazio.

Dele-Bashiru’s 86th-minute strike ensured Nigeria took three crucial points in the first leg of the AFCON qualifiers.

International break

The global football scene is currently on a brief hiatus due to the October international break, the second and last of the 2024/25 season.

Nigeria will play the return leg against Libya on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, and fans remain hopeful that Osimhen will recover in time to feature for both club and country soon.

While Osimhen’s injury status continues to be monitored closely, his return to solo training is a positive sign, but Galatasaray supporters will have to wait a little longer for confirmation of his participation in upcoming matches.