Osimhen Returns After 35-Day Injury Layoff, Inspires Galatasaray’s Late Comeback

Victor Osimhen made an impressive return from a 35-day injury layoff, providing an assist as Galatasaray rallied late to defeat Kasımpaşa 3-1 in the Turkish Süper Lig on Friday.

The Super Eagles striker, who had been sidelined with a groin injury sustained against İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, came off the bench in the 77th minute with the score level at 1-1.

Despite Galatasaray playing with 10 men, Osimhen helped transform the contest, contributing to the hosts’ late surge before setting up Mario Lemina’s stoppage-time goal to seal the victory at RAMS Park.

His return provided an immediate boost for head coach Okan Buruk, with Turkish football pundit Erman Özgür highlighting the Nigerian forward’s influence on the team’s attacking confidence.

“Whether Osimhen is on the field or not also affects his teammates’ finishing,” Özgür said, according to Tivibu Spor.

“Today, Deniz did some good work from time to time, but when Osimhen came on, the advantage of Kasımpaşa playing with an extra man was nullified.”

Galatasaray had taken the lead in the 45th minute through captain Abdülkerim Bardakcı, who headed home from a free-kick.

However, the hosts’ advantage was undermined in the 63rd minute when Lucas Torreira was sent off following a VAR review. Kasımpaşa capitalised five minutes later, with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi scoring the equaliser.

Buruk subsequently introduced Osimhen and Leroy Sané in the 77th minute, and the pair immediately added greater urgency to Galatasaray’s attack.

Sané came close to scoring from an Osimhen knockdown, while the Nigerian striker continued to stretch the visitors’ defence with his movement and physical presence.

Galatasaray eventually found the breakthrough in the 90th minute through Barış Alper Yılmaz before Osimhen turned provider for Lemina in the sixth minute of stoppage time to complete the 3-1 victory.

The result lifted Galatasaray back to the top of the Süper Lig standings with 16 points from seven matches.

Osimhen’s successful return is particularly significant as the Turkish champions prepare to host Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Galatasaray will be eager to respond in Europe after losing their opening league-phase fixture to Sporting CP.

After more than a month on the sidelines, Osimhen has wasted little time reasserting his importance to Galatasaray, delivering a decisive contribution ahead of a demanding European assignment.