Europa League: Osimhen stokes injury rumours as Galatasaray struggle against RFS without Nigerian star

Galatasaray were without Vicor Osimhen | Photo Credit: Imago, Musataspina on X

Europa League: Osimhen stokes injury rumours as Galatasaray struggle against RFS without Nigerian star

Ayoola Kelechi 19:55 - 03.10.2024

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen gave Nigerians more reason to worry during Galatasaray's Europa League encounter

Victor Osimhen was notably absent for Galatasaray as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Latvian side FK RFS in the second match of the Europa League campaign.

The Nigerian failed to even make the bench as Galatasaray threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2 in a frustrating tie in Latvia.

Galatasaray struggle without Osimhen

Galatasaray took an early lead through Osimhen’s former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens after only 12 minutes, and doubled their lead through Yunus Akgun in the 38th minute.

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However, RFS’ fight-back started immediately after that, as Janis Ikaunieks pulled a goal back just two minutes later.

RFS tied the game early in the second half through Lasha Odisharia who needed only nine minutes of the second half to wipe out Galatasaray’s lead.

Despite great effort from both sides to find a winner, neither side could make the breakthrough, allowing RFS to claim a famous draw and their first points in Europe this season.

Osimhen’s absence worries Super Eagles

The Nigerian striker’s absence was keenly felt by Galatasaray against RFS but also served as a source of worry for the Super Eagles ahead of the AFCON qualification double-header against Libya next week.

Victor Osimhen for Galatasaray | IMAGO

The Super Eagles take on Libya twice, on the 11th and 15th of October, looking to secure a place at the 2025 AFCON, but might have to do so without Osimhen who appears to have sustained a serious injury in Galatasaray’s league match against Kasimpasa.

Osimhen scores first goal for Galatasaray || Imago

Despite Osimhen’s insistence that his injury was not as serious as first feared, the Nigerian’s absence from Galatasaray’s draw against RFS will only bring about more worries for fans of the Super Eagles.