Osimhen in fitness race for Istanbul derby

Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, is said to be in contention to play in the highly-anticipated Istanbul derby against Besiktas on Saturday, amid concerns that he suffered a knock during the international break, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen was on duty for Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, scoring three goals in both games.

He was substituted five minutes to the end of the game against Zimbabwe in Uyo after picking up a knock.

The in-form striker has been crucial to Galatasaray’s run this season and Okan Buruk’s side are exploring the possibility of having him fit for their clash against Besiktas on Saturday.

Galatasaray insider, Yakup Çınar, via Haber Sariki Mizi, revealed that the Super Eagles talisman was in contention to feature on Saturday night, although the final decision rests on the club’s medical board.

“I have received information that Osimhen and Davinson Sanchez are fit to play in the Beşiktaş-Galatasaray derby. However, the final decision will be made by the medical board. Yunus Akgün is also ready to play in the derby,” Çınar as revealed by the Turkish outlet.

Buruk, alongside the rest of the Gala fans, will be hoping Osimhen will be fully fit so they can claim the bragging rights over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on Saturday.

Osimhen has 20 goals and four assists in 22 league games this season, leading the Turkish Super Lïg scoring chart.

Galatasaray got the 26-year-old on loan from Napoli at the start of the season and he’s leading their charge for a 25th league title.

The Turkish giants are currently top of the Turkish Super Lïg, 27 points above Besiktas who are in fourth place.