Ozbek confirms Osimhen return for Galatasaray against Fenerbahce

Galatasaray president Durzan Ozbek has declared Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen ready for the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce on Monday.

Osimhen returned to the Turkish Super Lig after pickin 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.

The Super Eagle 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.

Ozbek has made it clear that Osimhen will be part of the squad for the derby at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Osimhen is supposed to be on the roster

“Our players who return from the defence will be in the squad in the Fenerbahçe derby,” Ozbek was quoted Sporx.

“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.