ISTANBUL, Turkey — The Nigerian international football player and Galatasaray Sport Club (S.K.) striker, Victor Osimhen, arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, on Sunday night, March 22, 2026. His return precedes a critical medical examination scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, to evaluate a serious arm injury he suffered during a recent European competition.
The injury occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, during a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League Round of 16 match against Liverpool Football Club at Anfield stadium in England. During the first half of the game, the 27-year-old forward was involved in a collision with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. Although he attempted to continue playing, the medical staff of the Turkish club withdrew him at half-time. Okay News reports that subsequent hospital tests confirmed a fracture in his right forearm, which was immediately placed in a protective cast.
The upcoming scan is essential to determine if the athlete requires surgery. According to the Turkish media organization Forza Cimbom, “Victor Osimhen is arriving in Istanbul tonight (Sunday). Following tomorrow’s (Monday’s) check-up, planning for surgery will be on the agenda depending on the fracture’s condition.”
The potential loss of the striker is a significant blow to Galatasaray S.K. as they compete in the Turkish Super Lig. If surgery is required, medical experts suggest a recovery period of three to five months. This timeline would likely end his domestic season, despite his impressive record of 19 goals in 29 appearances this year.
Furthermore, the injury has impacted the Nigeria national football team, known as the Super Eagles. Osimhen has been excluded from the 23-man squad for upcoming international friendly matches against Jordan and Iran, which are coincidentally set to take place in Turkey later this month. For now, the football world awaits the results of the Monday evaluations at 10:00 West African Time (GMT+1) to see if their star attacker can avoid a long-term absence.
