Osimhen Pushes for Return Ahead of Fierce Fenerbahçe Derby

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen says he’s willing to push himself back into action as the Turkish champions gear up for a crucial Super Lig showdown against arch-rivals Fenerbahçe on Monday.

The Nigerian star has been sidelined for two matches after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty during Nigeria’s World Cup play-off loss to DR Congo. Galatasaray confirmed two weeks ago that he began treatment immediately after scans revealed the extent of the issue.

Although the club hasn’t provided a specific return date, optimism has grown in Istanbul that the striker may be fit enough for the high-stakes derby, having already missed the league tie against Genclerbirligi and the Champions League defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise.

Turkish journalist Mehmet Özcan reports that Osimhen has already told his teammates he’s prepared to push his limits.

“I understand what this derby means. I felt that energy last season. The club brought me here for nights like this, and if I have to take risks to help the team, I will,” he reportedly said via Forza Cimbom.

Osimhen was absent from the squad in Galatasaray’s last two fixtures, so the final decision will depend on late fitness assessments.

Galatasaray currently sit atop the table with 32 points just one ahead of Fenerbahçe adding even more weight to Monday’s match.

The Nigerian striker has a solid record against Fenerbahçe, scoring twice in a cup clash last season and providing an assist in another league encounter. So far this campaign, he’s netted three goals in nine league appearances and nine in 12 games across all competitions.

Osimhen sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray this summer following a spectacular loan spell from Napoli, where he delivered 37 goals in 41 games during the 2024/25 season.

As expected with this heated rivalry, Turkish authorities have deployed around 16,000 security personnel for the derby, underscoring its intensity on and off the pitch.