Victor Osimhen continued his impressive goalscoring form for Galatasaray on Friday, but his latest performance ended with concern after the Nigerian striker was forced off with an injury during his side’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.
The Super Eagles forward opened the scoring early in the encounter, registering his sixth goal of the season before being substituted just 17 minutes later after picking up an injury. Despite losing their leading striker, Galatasaray held their nerve to secure all three points in a thrilling Turkish Super Lig contest.
Osimhen wasted little time making his presence felt at the Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium. The Nigerian found the back of the net in the 16th minute after Galatasaray produced a promising attacking move, giving the visitors an early advantage.
The goal was another indication of the striker’s sharpness in front of goal. Osimhen has started the new campaign in impressive fashion and has quickly established himself as one of the most important players in Galatasaray’s attack.
However, the joy of his latest goal was short-lived.
Osimhen was unable to continue after sustaining an injury and was taken off in the 33rd minute, with Barış Alper Yılmaz introduced as his replacement. The exact severity of the injury was not immediately clear, leaving Galatasaray and Nigerian supporters waiting for further medical information.
His early departure could be a concern for both Galatasaray and Nigeria, particularly because the striker has become an important part of the club’s attacking plans.
Galatasaray nevertheless continued to push forward after Osimhen’s exit, but Basaksehir returned from the break with renewed determination.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute, and Eldor Shomurodov calmly converted from the spot to bring Basaksehir level.
Galatasaray responded almost immediately.
Five minutes after the equaliser, Lucas Torreira restored the visitors’ lead. The midfielder finished a well-worked move in the 71st minute, putting Galatasaray back in front and seemingly moving them closer to another league victory.
But Basaksehir refused to go away.
Galatasaray defender Davinson Sánchez turned the ball into his own net, allowing the hosts to level the match once again and setting up a tense final stage.
With the game appearing destined to end in a draw, Galatasaray produced the decisive moment deep into the contest.
Gabriel Sara stepped up in the 90th minute and delivered a superb free-kick that found the net, giving Galatasaray a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The result preserved Galatasaray’s strong start to the season, while the late winner ensured that Osimhen’s early injury did not overshadow the club’s successful night completely.
For Osimhen, however, the biggest concern will now be his fitness.
The 27-year-old has become one of Galatasaray’s most influential players since making his move to the Turkish club permanent. His ability to score regularly, stretch defences and create opportunities has made him central to the team’s attacking approach.
His latest goal also takes his tally to six for the season, according to the report, underlining just how important his contribution has been during the opening stages of the campaign.
Galatasaray will now await further assessment of the injury before determining how long the striker could be unavailable. The timing will be particularly important given the demanding schedule ahead and Osimhen’s importance to both club and country.
The Nigerian forward has endured injury setbacks at different points in his career, making any new fitness concern something Galatasaray will be keen to manage carefully.
Despite the worry surrounding Osimhen, Friday’s result was another demonstration of Galatasaray’s ability to find a way to win. They twice surrendered the lead after the striker’s departure but eventually produced the quality required to claim victory.
The performances of Torreira and Sara were especially important, with both midfielders finding the decisive moments when Galatasaray needed them most.
For Basaksehir, the defeat will be difficult to accept after twice recovering from a goal down. Shomurodov’s penalty and Sánchez’s own goal had given the hosts hope of taking at least a point, only for Sara’s late free-kick to settle the contest.
Galatasaray can therefore celebrate another valuable victory, but the club’s attention will quickly shift to Osimhen’s condition.
For Nigerian football supporters, the same concern will be shared. Osimhen remains one of the country’s most important attacking players, and every injury involving the Super Eagles striker is closely watched.
For now, the positive news is that Osimhen found the net again before being forced off. Galatasaray secured the three points, and the club will hope that the injury proves to be nothing serious.
