Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has revealed his anxiety every time Victor Osimhen joins Nigeria’s Super Eagles for international fixtures, following the striker’s ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Rwanda on Saturday.
Osimhen, 26, was substituted in the first half of the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and replaced by Cyriel Dessers. The injury has cast doubt over his availability for Nigeria’s next crucial qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday.
Speaking on Now Spor and quoted by habersarikirmizi, Buruk said: “If there is a problem with Osimhen, we want to send a plane immediately and bring him back to Türkiye. We hope it’s nothing serious.”
He recounted the moment he was informed about the injury: “I was at dinner when the waiter saw him and came to me with a phone in his hand. I always have fears about sending him to the national team, but tonight we experienced a bit of that.”
Buruk added, “We reached Osimhen. The information we received is that he has pain in his foot.”
The Galatasaray coach’s concerns highlight the ongoing challenges clubs face when key players sustain injuries on international duty, especially during vital qualifying campaigns.
With Osimhen’s fitness uncertain, Nigeria face a significant test ahead of their match against South Africa at the Free State Stadium.
