Osimhen declares readiness to face Fenerbahce in Istanbul derby

Just a day after Galatasaray President Durzan Ozbek declared Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen ready for the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce on Monday, the Super Eagle has come out to say he will be available for the clash.

Osimhen returned to the Turkish Super Lig after picking up an injury against DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff fixture. During the game, Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 outcome in extra-time to miss out on their second World Cup appearance.

He has gone ahead to miss two matches for Galatasaray. The first fixture was in the league when Galatasaray came from behind to beat Gençlerbirliği S.K., while the second was in the UEFA Champions League against Union Saint-Gilloise, which they lost 1-0.

‘I know importance of playing Fenerbahce’

Osimhen has now said he will take any risk to play in the derby.

“I know the importance of the Fenerbahce Derby and what it means to the fans. I experienced this excitement last season,” he told Sabah newspaper. “Galatasaray signed me for such big matches.

“If necessary, I will take risks and go out on the field and give my all.”

Earlier on, Ozbek said when asked about the availability of Osimhen for the derby: “Our players who return from the defence will be in the squad in the Fenerbahçe derby.”

“Osimhen’s supposed to be on the roster on Monday, I guess. Because in our speeches so far, the target was that our other players who return from the other injury will probably be on our squad.

“We’re going to the field with a great team.”

Osimhen will now hope to be fit and ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia. They will kick off their campaign against Taifa Stars on December 23.

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