Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian striker currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, finds himself in a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Istanbul derby against Besiktas. Osimhen’s importance to Galatasaray cannot be overstated. He has been the driving force behind their impressive campaign, leading the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts with an astounding 20 goals and four assists in just 22 appearances. His goals have propelled Galatasaray to the top of the table, a commanding 27 points clear of their rivals Besiktas, who currently sit in fourth place. The prospect of Osimhen missing this crucial derby has understandably caused concern among Galatasaray fans and manager Okan Buruk alike.
The anxiety surrounding Osimhen’s fitness stems from a knock he sustained during the recent international break. Representing Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Osimhen showcased his exceptional talent, scoring three goals across two matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. However, during the Zimbabwe game in Uyo, Nigeria, he picked up a knock and was substituted with five minutes remaining. This injury scare has cast a shadow over his participation in the upcoming derby, a match that holds immense significance for both clubs and their passionate fan bases.
The Istanbul derby, a fierce rivalry between Galatasaray and Besiktas, is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Turkish football calendar. The match is steeped in history and tradition, representing not just a contest for three points but also a battle for local pride and bragging rights. The atmosphere surrounding these games is electric, with fans from both sides creating a cauldron of noise and passion. Given the current standings in the league, with Galatasaray comfortably ahead, a victory against Besiktas would further solidify their dominance and edge them closer to their 25th league title.
Galatasaray’s medical team is working diligently to assess the extent of Osimhen’s injury and determine his availability for the crucial clash. Reports from Turkey suggest there is cautious optimism, with Galatasaray insider Yakup Çınar indicating that both Osimhen and defender Davinson Sanchez are potentially fit to play. However, Çınar stressed that the final decision rests with the medical board, who will carefully evaluate the players’ conditions before clearing them for action. This uncertainty only adds to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding the derby.
The potential absence of Osimhen would be a significant blow for Galatasaray. His goalscoring prowess and overall contribution to the team’s attacking play have been instrumental in their success this season. His ability to find the back of the net with regularity has provided a cutting edge to Galatasaray’s attack, making them a formidable force in the league. Should he be ruled out, manager Okan Buruk will face the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement, a player capable of filling the void left by the Nigerian’s absence.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s fitness, Galatasaray remains confident in their squad’s depth and ability to perform at a high level. The team boasts a wealth of talent across all positions and has demonstrated throughout the season their capacity to overcome challenges and secure positive results. While Osimhen’s presence would undoubtedly be a boost, Galatasaray believes they possess the necessary quality within their ranks to compete effectively against Besiktas and maintain their pursuit of the league title, regardless of the Nigerian’s availability. The stage is set for a captivating encounter between two of Turkey’s biggest clubs, with the added drama of Osimhen’s fitness hanging in the balance.
